Donald Trump, the former US President, has handed out last-minute endorsements for the August 2 primary elections. The upcoming polls are one of the last opportunities for the Republican to install allies in Congress and set a base for a possible White House contest in 2024.

Michigan, a swing state, is set to be a key battleground for Trump, who has backed more than 20 candidates for the August 2 elections. The former President has been targeting “RINOs” — Republican In Name Only — who voted to impeach him last year. 10 House Representatives crossed party lines.

Also Read: US primaries: All you need to know about Michigan elections

The key endorsement races would be seen in two pairs: John Gibbs – Peter Meijer and Tudor Dixon –Ryan Kelley. The first pair will be fighting for GOP’s nomination for the House while the second pair will contest for the governor’s office.

Meijer vs Gibbs

Republican Representative Peter Meijer is hoping to hold on to his seat after voting to impeach Trump. The former president has endorsed businessman and missionary John Gibbs, who worked in the Trump administration under Housing Secretary Ben Carson. 

“What’s happening in my race is similar to what’s going on in the rest of the country. People feel the party isn’t representing what they want”, Gibbs said in an interview, according to Bloomberg.

Also Read: US primaries: What’s on the ballot for Michigan elections

Dixon vs Kelly

The Republican party‘s race for Michigan’s governor’s office was crowded, but Trump endorsed Dixon out of a pack that says the 2020 elections were rigged. Kelley, on the other hand, was recently arrested by the FBI for allegedly participating in the US Capitol riots of January 6, 2021.

Dixon was previously associated with Michigan’s steel industry and is also a media personality. She also acted in low-budget horror pictures, AP reported. Kelley was a real estate broker before he launched his campaign for Michigan’s governor.