Former President Donald Trump continued his foray into endorsements in upcoming 2022 elections with the backing of Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen.
The endorsement for Jensen in Minnesota’s race is the latest attempt by Trump to support candidates who back his agenda and attempt to unseat those who have crossed him. Jensen, a former state senator, is among a crowded field of Republicans seeking to challenge Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. Trump met with Jensen at Mar-a-Lago in April and has added his name to a growing list of candidates he’s endorsed.
Trump’s backing of Jensen could provide a boost in a crowded primary field where both Republicans and Democrats see opportunities. Trump has been dabbling in endorsements as he tries to maintain influence in the GOP. Nearly every candidate Trump has endorsed appears at one of his properties.
In a statement, Trump said, “Scott Jensen is a patriot who has fought for our Country and the State of Minnesota, He is a strong leader and will help us lower taxes and our energy dependence, while bringing jobs back to the Minnesota.”
Jensen said that he and Trump share a vision for the state of Minnesota. “We need strong, conservative leadership to get Minnesota back on track, and I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement in this race,” Jensen said.
The former president has also endorsed former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for a U.S. House seat and Republican J.D. Vance for an Ohio Senate seat. On Wednesday, Trump endorsed GOP candidates challenging Republican Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez.
Trump has signaled plans to support more Republicans running in the midterms, and he has attacked those who have crossed him, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and the No. 3 House Republican, Liz Cheney.
Trump has also waded into the Alaska governor’s race, backing former Gov. Sarah Palin. In a statement, Trump praised Palin’s gubernatorial tenure and said she will “never back down.”
The former president’s team has indicated the endorsements are just the beginning as he works to shape the field of candidates for the upcoming election.