Politics is a complex machine that often boils down to who you know. A multitude of factors shape the game, from donor networks to personal loyalties. This article dives into the high-stakes world of political endorsements, focusing on recent moves by Donald J. Trump, and outlines our America First endorsement strategy for 2026, grounded in pragmatism to secure victories for the nation.

Trump’s Strategic Endorsements

Let’s start with Trump’s recent endorsement of Zachary Nunn in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. Rumors swirled that Congressman Nunn was eyeing the much redder, now-open 4th District for a safer seat, free from the constant reelection grind. Iowa’s 3rd only went Republican by about three points in 2024, making it one of the most vulnerable seats in the nation. Incumbents like Nunn hold serious advantages: seasoned campaign crews, access to deep-pocketed donors, and battle-tested game plans. Unless an incumbent consistently flops electorally, being the sitting candidate is a major edge. Trump’s endorsement of Nunn signals a clear priority: hold the House at all costs, especially in swing districts like Iowa’s 3rd. Expect Trump to back nearly every GOP incumbent in close races, as their institutional advantages are critical to keeping our slim House majority intact. This is why we generally stay out of primaries against underperforming congressmen in tossup districts. Zach Nunn, for example, has a D- grade on our scorecard right now. While we’d love stronger America First champions, ousting incumbents in safe seats is not only easier but also less detrimental to holding the House.

Then there’s the tougher pill to swallow: Trump’s endorsements of powerful but polarizing figures in safe seats, like Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho and Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Some in the America First movement argue Trump should use his influence to end their careers, but there’s more nuance here. Governing isn’t just about executive orders—those can be undone with a pen stroke. For lasting wins, like tax cuts or border security, we need bills to pass. In the House, our razor-thin majority has already relied on three Democratic congressmen’s deaths earlier this year to push through key votes. In the Senate, our 53-seat majority hinges on moderates or retiring senators like Murkowski, Collins, McConnell, or Tillis, who often don’t feel reelection pressure. Murkowski’s safe until 2028, Collins is in a blue state, and McConnell and Tillis aren’t running again, so they can ignore backlash. Every vote counts, not just on the Senate floor but in committees, where Crapo (Finance Committee Chair) and Graham (Budget Committee Chair) wield immense power over what bills even see daylight. Their influence over tax policy, fiscal priorities, and America First legislation makes them necessary allies. If Trump were to endorse against them, they could single-handedly kill the entire MAGA agenda. If they’re already likely to lose, why would they help MAGA or pretend to align with it?

This explains why Trump hasn’t weighed in on John Cornyn and the Texas Senate race yet. Cornyn is disliked by the base, polling poorly, and lacks a vital committee role. As chair of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, his position is narrow and less relevant to core MAGA priorities like tax reform or border security. While Trump may still endorse Cornyn, his hesitation—while endorsing nearly every other incumbent senator—speaks volumes. Unlike Crapo and Graham, Cornyn’s limited legislative clout makes him less essential, leaving room for a potential primary challenge to test the America First waters in Texas.

The Pragmatic Reality

While it’s frustrating to see Trump back figures like Crapo and Graham, it’s a calculated move. The America First agenda—border security, economic nationalism, and dismantling globalist policies—requires legislative muscle. Crapo’s role in pushing for permanent 2017 tax cuts and Graham’s budget oversight are linchpins for advancing Trump’s vision. But that doesn’t mean the grassroots have to roll over. Groups like ours, independent of Trump’s inner circle, are committed to endorsing challengers who embody the America First ethos. Graham, for instance, has been polling poorly for years, and his flip-flopping on key issues makes him a prime target for primary challenges. We’re not beholden to Trump’s pragmatism—we’re here to push the movement forward, even if it means going against the grain.

Our Endorsement Strategy

Endorsements are a tricky business. Our goal is to back candidates in every open federal seat for 2026, but it’s no small feat. We’ve reached out to countless candidates, sifting through their records to separate the genuine from the opportunists. The challenge is balancing electability with ideological purity. Do we back a rock-solid America First warrior who might struggle in a swing district, or a more moderate candidate with a better shot at winning? It’s a tough call. Getting face time with big-name candidates is another hurdle, but we’re grinding through it. Our process is rigorous—researching voting records, public statements, and campaign viability—to ensure we endorse patriots who’ll fight for the nation, not just their own ambitions. We’ll keep you posted as we lock in our 2026 slate, ready to rally behind those who’ll put America first, from the border to the factory floor.