Trump plans to wield cash and endorsements to shape midterm elections

President Donald Trump is already exerting his influence over the 2026 midterm elections, endorsing two close allies in open gubernatorial contests in the past week and privately signaling plans to shape the Republican ticket in more key races next year, according to people familiar with the discussions.

President Donald Trump is already exerting his influence over the 2026 midterm elections, endorsing two close allies in open gubernatorial contests in the past week and privately signaling plans to shape the Republican ticket in more key races next year, according to people familiar with the discussions. In recent weeks, Trump has assured House and Senate Republicans he intends to open up his massive stockpile of campaign reserves – which he has boasted is north of half a billion dollars – to defend the party’s slim majorities in both chambers next year, a White House official with knowledge of the conversations told CNN. But even as he pledges financial support, Trump has not ruled out intervening in primaries to bolster challengers against Republican officeholders he perceives as insufficiently loyal. “Will (Trump’s money) be for primaries or generals? That’ll be up for them to decide,” the official teased, referring to potentially rebellious incumbents. Trump’s team and congressional Republicans have discussed recruitment efforts, particularly in the House, where the GOP’s narrow majority is already presenting governing challenges and will be difficult to maintain. “He understands the importance of keeping the House majority for his agenda to be able to move forward,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, who leads the House GOP campaign arm. “There’s nothing more valuable than an endorsement from President Trump for a candidate. I think he understands that as well. We value his help, we value his input as we go through the recruiting process.”