When President Donald Trump leaves the Oval Office in 2028 at the end of his second term, few on the right expect him to retreat quietly from the political arena.
According to Western Journal, the 45th and 47th president is widely expected to serve as a de facto kingmaker in Republican politics, shaping primaries and policy debates long after he is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. That future role is not some distant prospect, however, as Trump is already flexing that influence in key races that will determine whether conservatives can secure and expand their gains in Congress and in the states.
On Friday, Trump used his Truth Social platform to unleash a wave of endorsements for Republican candidates competing in House contests ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The endorsements underscore his determination to stock the GOP bench with America First loyalists rather than allow the party to drift back toward the establishment-friendly politics that failed voters for decades.
Among the most prominent names to receive Trumps backing was former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira, who is seeking to represent Texas 21st Congressional District. Mark Teixeira is a former Major League Baseball STAR, and tremendous America First Candidate, who is running to represent the incredible people of Texas 21st Congressional District! Trump posted.
Trump emphasized both Teixeiras personal relationship with him and the candidates record of achievement, framing him as the kind of proven winner conservatives want in Washington. I know Mark well, and he is a TOTAL WINNER, on and off the field! An MLB All-Star, Marks career was loaded up with Accolades and WINS, including five Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers, and a World Series Championship.
The former president then delivered his trademark seal of approval in unambiguous terms, signaling to primary voters where the America First movement stands. He added: Mark Teixeira has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Texas 21st Congressional District HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!
Trumps focus was not limited to congressional contests, as he also moved to shore up conservative leadership at the state level in Texas. In a state that has become a bulwark against the Biden administrations open-border policies and progressive social agenda, Trump made clear he wants continuity, not experimentation, at the top.
Using Truth Social, Trump formally endorsed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott for another term, praising his record and reliability. Greg Abbott has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election. He is an exceptional Governor and man HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump wrote.
The former president also reaffirmed his support for Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick, a staunch ally who has consistently aligned himself with Trumps agenda on border security, election integrity and cultural issues. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Trump also posted about his endorsement of incumbent Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick.
Trump highlighted Patricks long-standing loyalty and his central role in advancing the movements priorities in the nations largest red state. As Texas Chair of our Presidential Campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024, Dan has been an incredible friend to our Movement, helping us WIN BIG in the Primaries and General Elections, Trump posted.
He also laid out a robust conservative agenda that Patrick is expected to champion if re-elected, touching on nearly every major issue animating Republican voters. In his next Term, Dan will fight tirelessly alongside of us to Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion School Choice, Support our Great Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Strongly Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.
Altogether, Trump issued more than a dozen Texas-related endorsements on Friday, signaling that the Lone Star State remains central to his broader strategy for consolidating conservative power. Yet one conspicuous gap in his endorsement blitz has drawn attention from political observers and grassroots activists alike.
Notably absent from Trumps list was the high-stakes Texas Senate race, where incumbent Sen. John Cornyn faces serious primary challenges from Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. As KTBC-TV reported, Trump has consistently declined to offer an endorsement in whats turning out to be a heated race pitting incumbent Sen. John Cornyn against two GOP challengers Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.
The omission suggests Trump is either weighing his options carefully or content, for now, to let Texas Republicans sort out a contentious intraparty battle without his direct intervention. Rep. Dan Crenshaw is the only incumbent House Republican that did not get an endorsement from the president Friday, the news outlet added.
Trumps endorsements landed on the final day of early voting for the March 3 primaries, a timing that maximizes their impact among late-deciding voters and reinforces his status as the dominant voice in todays Republican Party. For conservatives who want to see the GOP remain firmly rooted in border security, economic freedom, energy independence and constitutional rights, Trumps growing list of favored candidates offers a clear roadmap for where the movement is headed after 2028.
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