Trump-backed candidates score major GOP primary victories

President Donald Trump added another win to his growing list of Republican rivals pushed out of office.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump added another win to his growing list of Republican rivals pushed out of office after his endorsed challenger, Ed Gallrein, was projected to defeat longtime Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie.

Massie, a seven-term congressman from Kentucky, defended his willingness to oppose Republican leadership and the White House on key issues.

“If the legislative branch always votes with the president, we do have a king,” Massie said.

Massie’s clashes with Trump over government spending, the war with Iran and the release of Epstein-related files made him a top target for the president.

“Thomas Massie is a terrible congressman,” Trump said during the campaign.

Trump is now shifting his attention to another major Republican battle in Texas. The president recently endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican Senate runoff against longtime Senator John Cornyn.

“He thinks I’m the best candidate and that I will actually help him get some of these things done,” Paxton said of Trump’s endorsement.

On social media, Trump described Cornyn as “a good man” but criticized him for not being supportive “when times were tough.”

Cornyn acknowledged the significance of Trump’s backing but said he plans to continue fighting for the nomination. The president’s endorsements continue showing major influence inside the Republican Party even as public approval ratings decline.

Another closely watched race is unfolding in Georgia, where Republican Congressman Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley are projected to advance to a Senate runoff. The winner is expected to face Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in a battleground contest that could help determine control of Congress and the future of Trump’s agenda.