AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Three Republican candidates backed by former President Donald Trump lost their primaries on Tuesday in a blow to the 45th president.
In the Utah Senate primary to replace Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), Trump-backed candidate Trent Staggs was defeated by Rep. John Curtis (R-UT), who did not support Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
In South Carolina, Trump-backed candidate and evangelical pastor Mark Burns lost the primary for the state’s 3rd Congressional District to nurse practitioner Sheri Biggs. In Colorado, Jeff Crank beat Trump-endorsed candidate Dave Williams for the state’s 5th Congressional District, winning with a substantial majority.
“I’m honored, grateful, and truly blessed to be the Republican nominee for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District,” said Crank in a statement after beating his Trump-backed opponent. “We must unite as a party, elect President Trump, and fight for our country. Our state, our nation, our children, and our grandchildren are counting on us.”
Several social media users pointed out the significance of three Trump candidates being defeated in a single day, including Republican consultant Ryan Girdusky and Semafor reporter David Weigel.
“This might be the worst primary night for Trump-endorsed GOP candidates all year,” reacted Weigel.
While more than a dozen Trump-backed candidates did win their primaries on Tuesday, including Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Gabe Evans, the vast majority ran uncontested and thus won by default.
Of the 15 candidates congratulated by Trump for winning their primaries on Tuesday, a whopping 12 won uncontested without any opposition.
