Trump endorses Hamadeh and Masters in heated Arizona primary

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed two candidates in the Republican primary for Arizona’s 8th congressional district, putting an end to the issue of him and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), holding competing endorsements.

Former Senate candidate Blake Masters and former Attorney General candidate Abe Hamadeh, among four other candidates, are competing to be the Republican nominee to represent Arizona in the House. Hamadeh had previously been the only candidate to hold a Trump endorsement in the race, while Masters had scored an endorsement from Vance.

However, Trump issued a rare duel endorsement of both candidates Saturday evening, putting an end to any possible issues the competing endorsements could have posed.

“In Congress, we need a true Warrior who will work tirelessly with us to Grow our Economy, Stop Inflation, Secure our Border, End Migrant Crime, Support of Great Military/Vets, and Protect our always under siege, Second Amendment-They will both be spectacular, and I’m pleased to announce that both Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh have my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congressman of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District—THEY WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

While Trump called both candidates “spectacular,” he noted that Masters was a “very successful businessman” and “an incredibly strong supporter” of the MAGA movement. He said Hamadeh was “a fearless fighter for election integrity.”

Masters previously landed in hot water after touting Trump’s endorsement of his 2022 Senate run in a campaign ad for his 2024 congressional campaign. Top Trump adviser Susie Wiles contacted Masters about the misleading ad and requested he take it down or change it.

Masters and Hamadeh were once allies when they ran in 2022, but they have since been pitted against one another as they race to become the nominee in this district. Hamadeh is also endorsed by Kari Lake, who is running for a senate seat in Arizona this year.

Arizona’s 8th Congressional district, which encompasses northwest Phoenix and suburbs and has a large retiree population, largely votes Republican, so whoever wins this race will likely win the House seat.

Arizona’s primary is July 30.