US primaries: Arizona GOP candidates who will test Donald Trump’s clout

Donald Trump, former US President, has gone big on investments in Arizona, where the primary elections are scheduled for August 2, 2022. The Republican has endorsed multiple candidates for upcoming polls, in an attempt to set the record straight after the 2020 Presidential elections.

While many believed Trump may announce his bid for the 2024 Presidential elections, he laid the groundwork by endorsing four candidates in diverse races.

Also Read: US primaries: Key contests to look out for in Arizona

Trump has endorsed Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters, attorney general candidate Abe Hamadeh, secretary of state candidate state Mark Finchem and gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake. 

In the season of proxy battles, Trump is set to lock horns with his deputy and former US Vice President Mike Pence. Karrin Taylor Robson, who received backing from Pence, will go up against Kari Lake.

Trump and Pence both talked up the successes of their administration and hammered President Joe Biden, but neither directly addressed the other or the growing rift between them, news agency Associated Press reported.

Trump took aim at two Arizona Republicans who refused to go along with his efforts to remain in office after losing to Biden. He said state House Speaker Rusty Bowers, who testified last month to the House January 6 committee, “participated against the Republican Party.” He said governor Doug Ducey has failed to secure the border with Mexico.

Also Read: US primaries: What’s on the ballot in Arizona elections

The Arizona primary is among Trump’s last opportunities to settle scores and install allies to lead states that may prove decisive if he decides to run again in 2024. Trump and Pence were also at odds in the primary for Georgia governor, where the Pence-backed incumbent Brian Kemp easily defeated former US Sen. David Perdue, who had Trump’s support.  

Trump and Pence will again cross paths next week as the former president returns to the nation’s capital for the first time since leaving the White House.