MAGA Influencers Admit Trump Endorsements Losing Value

Republican candidates no longer view Trump's backing as the 'unquestioned seal of approval' it once was, report finds.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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According to a report, Republican candidates and MAGA influencers are no longer viewing former President Donald Trump's endorsements with the same level of importance as they once did. Two candidates who previously received Trump's backing, Gina Swoboda and Karrin Taylor Robson, have either switched races or dropped out entirely, with MAGA allies now criticizing and attacking Swoboda. The report suggests Trump's endorsement is becoming less powerful as candidates and their allies are no longer willing to let Trump have the final say on his preferences.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement has long been seen as a crucial factor in Republican primaries, but this report suggests that dynamic may be shifting. As infighting grows among MAGA supporters, Trump's ability to anoint candidates appears to be waning, which could have significant implications for the GOP in upcoming elections.

The details

The report details how Arizona Republican candidate Gina Swoboda dropped out of her race for the 1st Congressional District after receiving Trump's endorsement, instead announcing a bid for Arizona Secretary of State. Meanwhile, Karrin Taylor Robson, who was also endorsed by Trump, cited a desire to avoid a 'divisive' Republican primary when she dropped out of the race for Arizona governor. The report suggests that even Trump's stamp of approval is no longer enough to secure loyalty, as MAGA influencers like Laura Loomer and state Sen. Jake Hoffman have attacked and criticized Swoboda.

  • Swoboda switched races the day after wealthy businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson dropped out of the primary to oppose Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.
  • In November, Hoffman posted attacks on Swoboda on X, writing: 'It's insanity that the AZGOP Chairwoman continues to trip all over herself to UNDERMINE election integrity & defend the literal socialist Pima County Recorder. Gina Swoboda is a Democrat.'

The players

Gina Swoboda

An Arizona Republican candidate who previously received Donald Trump's endorsement, but has since switched races to run for Arizona Secretary of State instead of the 1st Congressional District.

Karrin Taylor Robson

A wealthy businesswoman and Arizona Republican who was endorsed by Donald Trump, but dropped out of the race for Arizona governor, citing a desire to avoid a 'divisive' primary.

Laura Loomer

A MAGA ally who has attacked and criticized Gina Swoboda, accusing her of 'going on podcasts badmouthing' Charlie Kirk's organization Turning Point USA and claiming she has a 'record of working against MAGA grassroots activists.'

Jake Hoffman

An Arizona state senator and member of the Arizona Freedom Caucus who has posted attacks on Gina Swoboda on X, calling her a 'Democrat' who is undermining election integrity.

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What they’re saying

“It's insanity that the AZGOP Chairwoman continues to trip all over herself to UNDERMINE election integrity & defend the literal socialist Pima County Recorder. Gina Swoboda is a Democrat.”

— Jake Hoffman, Arizona State Senator (X)

The takeaway

This report suggests that even Donald Trump's coveted endorsement is no longer enough to secure unwavering loyalty from Republican candidates and MAGA influencers. As infighting grows within the MAGA movement, Trump's ability to anoint candidates appears to be waning, potentially shifting the dynamics of GOP primaries going forward.