Former President Donald Trump’s influence on the Republican Party is undeniable. From his bombastic rhetoric to his controversial policies, Trump has reshaped the GOP in his image. And nowhere is this more evident than in the upcoming Senate race in North Carolina, where Trump-endorsed candidate Ted Budd is facing off against former Governor Pat McCrory and former Rep. Mark Walker.
But it’s not just the candidates themselves who are embracing Trumpism. It’s also the voters who are rallying behind them. In a recent poll, nearly 80% of Republican voters said they would be more likely to support a candidate endorsed by Trump. This overwhelming support for Trump and his brand of politics is a clear sign that Trumpism is here to stay in the GOP.
One of the most vocal proponents of Trumpism in the North Carolina Senate race is candidate Ted Budd. Budd has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Trump and his policies, touting his endorsement from the former president as a badge of honor. In a recent campaign ad, Budd even went so far as to call himself “the true conservative” in the race, a not-so-subtle jab at his opponents who have criticized Trump in the past.
But it’s not just Budd who is embracing Trumpism in this race. His main rival, Pat McCrory, has also been quick to align himself with Trump, despite previously criticizing the former president. McCrory has made a point of highlighting his support for Trump’s border wall and his tough stance on immigration, signaling to voters that he is willing to embrace Trumpism in order to win.
And then there’s Mark Walker, who is also vying for the Republican nomination in this crowded field. Walker, too, has sought to align himself with Trump, emphasizing his support for the former president’s policies and his commitment to the America First agenda. Like his opponents, Walker is making it clear that he is a true believer in Trumpism and will fight for it if elected to the Senate.
In the end, the North Carolina Senate race is shaping up to be a battle for the soul of the Republican Party. Will the GOP continue to embrace Trump and his brand of politics, or will it chart a new course? The outcome of this race will be a bellwether for the future of the party and will send a clear message about the enduring influence of Trumpism in American politics.