With midterm elections drawing major attention, the president won’t be on the ballot, but his influence still could be.So what could an endorsement from President Donald Trump mean for candidates?In this midterm cycle, New Mexico voters will decide key races for governor, the U.S. House and one Senate seat. A Trump endorsement could carry very different weight in each, depending on the race and the region.Brian Sanderoff, KOAT political expert, said, “I think having Trump’s endorsement depends on whether it’s in the primary or the general, and whether it’s statewide or in a more conservative district.”For example, in Congressional District 2, an endorsement from Trump could go far.Sanderoff said, “CD2 is the most conservative. The Democrat won it by four percentage points two years ago. But almost in a tie four years ago. So we’re talking about a swing district.”Trump has endorsed Greg Cunningham in CD2. He is running against incumbent Gabe Vasquez.Sanderoff said, “There are a lot of conservative voters in the second Congressional District who may not bother voting in the midterm elections, try to get Trump to encourage the conservatives to go out and vote could help Greg Cunningham.”However, momentum doesn’t always translate statewide or hold through November in the general election.Sanderoff said, “You have to take it state by state and district by district. There’s some places that, especially Republican primaries, where people are really trying to get Trump’s endorsement. In the general election, not so much.”In the Republican gubernatorial primary, Trump’s endorsement could help candidates win the primary and get on the ballot.Sanderoff said, “With three Republican candidates in the primary, none of them are all that well known. To get Trump’s endorsement in the Republican primary could be very helpful.”But that edge may fade in the general election.Sanderoff said, “Donald Trump’s approval rating nationally is about 40%. That means in New Mexico, it’s a few points less. So having Donald Trump’s endorsement in a statewide race for the general election wouldn’t be that helpful, in my opinion.”The primary is on June 2. The general election is in November.
With midterm elections drawing major attention, the president won’t be on the ballot, but his influence still could be.
So what could an endorsement from President Donald Trump mean for candidates?
In this midterm cycle, New Mexico voters will decide key races for governor, the U.S. House and one Senate seat. A Trump endorsement could carry very different weight in each, depending on the race and the region.
Brian Sanderoff, KOAT political expert, said, “I think having Trump’s endorsement depends on whether it’s in the primary or the general, and whether it’s statewide or in a more conservative district.”
For example, in Congressional District 2, an endorsement from Trump could go far.
Sanderoff said, “CD2 is the most conservative. The Democrat won it by four percentage points two years ago. But almost in a tie four years ago. So we’re talking about a swing district.”
Trump has endorsed Greg Cunningham in CD2. He is running against incumbent Gabe Vasquez.
Sanderoff said, “There are a lot of conservative voters in the second Congressional District who may not bother voting in the midterm elections, try to get Trump to encourage the conservatives to go out and vote could help Greg Cunningham.”
However, momentum doesn’t always translate statewide or hold through November in the general election.
Sanderoff said, “You have to take it state by state and district by district. There’s some places that, especially Republican primaries, where people are really trying to get Trump’s endorsement. In the general election, not so much.”
In the Republican gubernatorial primary, Trump’s endorsement could help candidates win the primary and get on the ballot.
Sanderoff said, “With three Republican candidates in the primary, none of them are all that well known. To get Trump’s endorsement in the Republican primary could be very helpful.”
But that edge may fade in the general election.
Sanderoff said, “Donald Trump’s approval rating nationally is about 40%. That means in New Mexico, it’s a few points less. So having Donald Trump’s endorsement in a statewide race for the general election wouldn’t be that helpful, in my opinion.”
The primary is on June 2. The general election is in November.