Former President Donald Trump is positioning himself as a dominant force in the 2026 midterm elections, pledging financial support and strategic endorsements to shape key races across the country. With a campaign reserve exceeding $500 million, Trump has assured Republican leaders that he intends to use his war chest to defend the party’s narrow House and Senate majorities while also backing candidates aligned with his agenda.
Despite this commitment, Trump has not ruled out intervening in GOP primaries, particularly against incumbents he deems insufficiently loyal. His endorsement strategy will focus on candidates who demonstrate both unwavering support and electability, signaling a direct challenge to the party establishment’s candidate selection.
Trump’s midterm engagement began shortly after his November re-election, with his team actively identifying battleground races where he can bolster Republican prospects. House GOP campaign chairman Rep. Richard Hudson emphasized Trump’s influence, stating, “There’s nothing more valuable than an endorsement from President Trump for a candidate.”
The former president’s team is working closely with congressional leaders and campaign committees, determining where to invest resources and which challengers to support. Key factors in Trump’s endorsement process include a candidate’s past loyalty, their stance on critical legislative issues, and their ability to win a general election.
Trump’s involvement extends beyond traditional Republican vs. Democrat contests—his team is closely monitoring Republican incumbents who have distanced themselves from his policies. This has put lawmakers like Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) in a delicate position as they seek reelection in competitive districts.
Meanwhile, the White House is aware of the challenges in mobilizing Trump’s base for the midterms, as many of his voters historically participate only when he is on the ballot. White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair emphasized that Republicans in Congress must follow through on Trump’s key pledges, including tax cuts on tips and Social Security, in order to keep his supporters engaged.
Beyond Congressional races, Trump is also weighing in on gubernatorial primaries to build a network of state-level allies. He recently endorsed:
- Vivek Ramaswamy for Governor of Ohio, shortly after his campaign launch.
- Rep. Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida, preempting an official announcement.
These endorsements have disrupted succession plans in states where term-limited Republican governors had other candidates in mind. In Florida, First Lady Casey DeSantis had signaled interest in running, but Trump’s endorsement of Donalds could reshape the race.
Trump’s post-election fundraising efforts have shattered records, with sources claiming he raised $608 million in three weeks—a figure that remains unverified until financial disclosures are filed.
His vast network of PACs and Super PACs, including MAGA Inc. and Never Surrender, Inc., provides him multiple avenues to funnel resources into Republican midterm races. These funds can be used for advertising, challenger support, and political attacks against opponents.
In a private meeting with Republican governors, Trump acknowledged his surplus of funds and pledged to deploy them strategically:
“I gotta spend it somewhere,” Trump reportedly said. “And they tell me I’m not allowed to run.”
With Trump actively shaping the Republican ticket, the 2026 midterm elections are set to be a pivotal test of his enduring influence over the GOP. His involvement, both financially and politically, will likely reshape the Republican primary landscape, intensify party loyalty tests, and set the stage for an election cycle defined by Trump’s brand of conservatism.