Trump's Endorsement Record: 97% Win Rate Despite Iowa's Feenstra Loss
President Donald Trump's endorsement remains the most powerful political prize in Republican primaries, with 97 percent of his endorsed candidates winning their races in 2026. But even the president's backing couldn't save every candidate, including Iowa's own Representative Randy Feenstra.
Feenstra lost the state's GOP gubernatorial primary in a contest that highlighted competing factions within the Republican Party. His defeat stands out as one of the few blemishes on an otherwise dominant endorsement record that has shaped races from Tennessee to Michigan.
How Many Trump-Endorsed Candidates Have Lost in 2026?
Through early July, Trump made 312 primary endorsements in the 2026 cycle, according to Ballotpedia. Only a handful of those candidates lost. The most recent was Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee, who lost the Republican primary for the state's newly redrawn 5th Congressional District on Thursday.
Ogles lost to former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, who was backed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. Trump had called Ogles a 'Conservative Warrior.'
What Happened to Randy Feenstra in Iowa?
Feenstra, who has represented Iowa's 4th Congressional District since 2021, entered the gubernatorial primary with Trump's endorsement. But he failed to secure the nomination, becoming one of the earliest and most notable losses for a Trump-backed candidate this cycle.
The race drew attention as a test of Republican unity in Iowa, a state that has been a stronghold for Trump in previous elections. Feenstra's defeat did not diminish Trump's overall influence in the state, but it served as a reminder that local dynamics can override even the most powerful national endorsement.
Other Trump-Endorsed Candidates Who Lost in 2026
- Amir Hassan – Lost the Republican primary in Michigan's 8th District to Thomas J. Smith, who had suspended his campaign weeks earlier but remained on the ballot and won with 50.4 percent of the vote.
- Phil Berger – North Carolina Senate leader lost the Republican nomination for the state's 26th Senate District to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.
- Burt Jones – Georgia Lieutenant Governor lost the Republican gubernatorial runoff in June, a significant setback in a battleground state.
- Brenda Wilson – Vigo County Council member lost the Republican primary for Indiana Senate District 38 on May 5.
- Bruce Borders – Longtime Indiana state representative failed to win renomination.
- Sid Miller – Texas Agriculture Commissioner lost his primary, a rare defeat for a statewide incumbent backed by Trump.
- Pamela Evette – South Carolina Lieutenant Governor finished first in the gubernatorial primary but lost the runoff to state Attorney General Alan Wilson after Trump issued a dual endorsement.
- Jon Maples – Won the primary for Florida House District 87 but lost the general election to Democrat Emily Gregory. He is running again in the regular election.
Does a Trump Endorsement Guarantee a Win?
No. While Trump's endorsement record remains exceptionally strong at 97 percent, these losses prove that local factors, redistricting, and opponent strength can still tip the scales. The Ogles defeat in Tennessee and Feenstra's loss in Iowa show that even the president's backing is not a sure thing.
Still, the vast majority of Trump-endorsed candidates have won their primaries, reinforcing his role as the Republican Party's most influential figure heading into the general election.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many endorsements has Trump made in 2026?
Trump has made 312 primary endorsements in the 2026 cycle, according to Ballotpedia.
What is Trump's endorsement win rate?
Through early July, 97 percent of Trump's endorsed candidates won their primaries.
Why did Randy Feenstra lose in Iowa?
Feenstra lost the GOP gubernatorial primary in a race that tested competing Republican factions in the state. Local dynamics and opponent strength played key roles.
Can a Trump endorsement still be beaten?
Yes. While rare, a handful of Trump-endorsed candidates have lost in 2026, including Ogles in Tennessee and Feenstra in Iowa.