Trump-backed candidates win GOP primaries in Virginia, Kansas, Michigan

In three key Republican primaries, candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump secured victories. In Michigan, Congressman John James won the gubernatorial primary with over 70% of the vote, defeating businessman Perry Johnson and will face Democrat Jocelyn Benson in the November general election. In Kansas, state Senate President Ty Masterson captured the Republican nomination for governor, aiming to reclaim the office from the Democrats. In Virginia, former Trump foreign‑policy adviser Bert Mizusawa earned the Senate nomination and will challenge incumbent Democrat Mark Warner, while Congressman John McGuire secured the Republican ticket for his congressional district.

Other Republican incumbents—Bill Huizenga, John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg, Tom Barrett, and Lisa McClain—retained their nominations in Michigan’s safe districts. The primaries coincided with a contested Democratic Senate primary in Michigan between Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive candidate Abdul El‑Sayed. Trump observed the contests from a fundraising dinner at his Rancho Palos Verdes golf club.