President Donald Trump on Sunday asserted that his political endorsements have achieved a 97% success rate in Republican primaries across five election cycles, as pivotal runoff elections in South Carolina and Oklahoma approach this week.
Trump made the claim in a Truth Social post accompanied by graphics detailing his endorsement record from 2018 through 2026. According to the data, his endorsed candidates won 760 of 783 Republican primaries during this period, including 254 of 262 in the 2026 cycle alone. The breakdown showed 99% success in Senate races (96 of 97), 98% in House races (615 of 629), and 86% in gubernatorial races (49 of 57).
The president attributed the few losses to loyalty, stating that some candidates were backed despite unfavorable odds because they were "good people." He added that his endorsement power is "stronger than ever" and highlighted that his record has no comparable precedent.
Key contests at stake
The upcoming elections include the South Carolina U.S. Senate runoff and the Oklahoma gubernatorial primary, where Trump’s endorsements are being closely watched. In South Carolina, Trump backed Sen. Tim Scott, who is not running for re-election, and Rep. Ralph Norman in a competitive race. In Oklahoma, Trump endorsed former Rep. Kevin Stitt in the gubernatorial primary, which has drawn significant attention.
Reactions and context
Trump’s claims have drawn mixed responses. Some supporters argue his endorsement record demonstrates his influence within the Republican Party, while critics question the methodology behind the data, noting that it excludes certain races such as lieutenant governor, attorney general, and state legislatures. Ballotpedia, an independent election tracker, reported a 96% success rate for Trump’s endorsements in 2026, aligning closely with his figures.
The White House has not issued a formal response to Trump’s post, though a spokesperson previously emphasized his role in supporting Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.
Historical comparison
Trump’s endorsement success rate has been a recurring theme in his political messaging. His graphics claim that no other political figure has achieved a comparable track record, framing his endorsements as a decisive factor in Republican primary victories. The data spans five election cycles, covering races from the U.S. Senate and House to gubernatorial contests.
As the runoff elections approach, Trump’s endorsement power remains a focal point for both supporters and critics, with outcomes in South Carolina and Oklahoma expected to further shape perceptions of his influence in the GOP.