Senate Race Updates and Campaign News: Trump Endorses Gov. Jim Justice, Phil Ehr Drops Out, and More

Former President Donald Trump made a significant endorsement in the West Virginia Senate race late Wednesday night, throwing his support behind Gov. Jim Justice over Rep. Alex Mooney in the Republican primary. Trump’s decision to back Justice aligns him with National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines, who has expressed willingness to work with the former president on key races.

But that wasn’t the only Senate race news on Wednesday. In Florida, retired Navy Commander Phil Ehr announced he would drop out of the Democratic primary to take on GOP Rep. Carlos Gimenez instead, clearing the way for former Democratic Rep. Debbie Mucarsel Powell to challenge GOP Sen. Rick Scott.

In California, Democrat and longtime television news anchor Christina Pascucci announced her entry into the crowded field for the state’s open Senate race, citing dissatisfaction with the current state of the race.

Meanwhile, in Arizona, Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego received a boost from the state Democratic Party in his run against Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, with the party contributing $10,000 to his campaign, solidifying his position as the favorite for the Democratic nomination.

The news in the Senate races comes amidst other campaign developments, including Trump’s loyal supporters expressing unwavering support for the former president, former Vice President Mike Pence holding fewer public events after a struggling campaign finance report, and turbulence for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis following his decision to charter flights to Israel.

As the 2024 election cycle heats up, these developments in key Senate races and campaign news highlight the shifting dynamics and strategies at play in the political landscape.