Turned on Trump: Here are the Republicans backing Democrats over MAGA candidates – Washington Examiner
Despite not appearing on the November ballot, former President Donald Trump has played a major role in the midterm elections by endorsing a slew of Republican candidates.
But a number of high-profile Republicans in battleground states have placed their support behind the Democratic candidates opposing some of those Trump-endorsed nominees. Its not clear what effect, if any, the conflicting endorsements will have, but it does show how the Republican Party has fractured, to some extent, over whether to continue embracing the former president.
MAJORITY OF VOTERS HAVE ELECTION DENIERS ON BALLOT FOR POSITIONS THAT OVERSEE ELECTIONS
Heres a list of Republicans who have backed Democrats over their partys candidate:
Arizona
State Rep. Joel John (R) turned heads in Arizona after the Republican lawmaker endorsed Democratic candidate Adrian Fontes over Trump-backed state Rep. Mark Finchem (R) in the race for secretary of state.
Our nations history is full of heroes who bravely stood up to do what was right even if it wasnt popular in their respective camps, John said in a statement. We need more people like that today. I am proud to support Adrian Fontes and join noble Republicans and Independents who are willing to put country before party. His opponent is someone who sought to get rid of voting by mail and has sought to overturn the 2020 election. Arizona deserves better.
The race took on prominence in the states midterm elections after Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who currently holds the position and has staunchly defended the states administration of the 2020 election, announced she would not seek reelection and would run for Senate instead. The issue of election integrity has become central to the race, with Finchem backing Trumps unfounded claims that the 2020 election was riddled with fraud.
Arizona has become ground zero of Trumps claims of voter fraud, with the state Senate spending months auditing the 2020 election in Maricopa County. Top county officials criticized the effort, stressing a report on the matter offered "no new evidence" that would alter the result of 2020's presidential election.
Kansas
A handful of former Republican governors have thrown their support behind Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly (D-KS) in her reelection bid against state Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who was endorsed by Trump for his stances on border security and crime.
Former GOP Govs. Mike Hayden, who held office from 1987 to 1991, and Bill Graves, who held office from 1995 to 2003, endorsed Kelly, praising the incumbent for her bipartisan leadership.
"In 50 years in Kansas politics, I've seen the good times and the bad," Hayden said. "The affairs of Kansas are in good shape right now, and I credit the bipartisan approach of Gov. Kelly."
Former Govs. Kathleen Sebelius and John Carlin, both Democrats, also backed Kelly for reelection.
Oklahoma
Three Oklahoma state lawmakers have endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Kendra Horn in her fight against Trump-backed Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R).
Former Oklahoma House Speaker Kris Steele (R) offered his endorsement of Horn in a video on Wednesday, calling her "the kind of leader that we need to move our state forward in a positive, productive, and healthy direction."
Horn has also been endorsed by former GOP state party Chairman Stephen Jones as well as Republican Steven Agee, the former chairman of the Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Pennsylvania
Several prominent Republicans have publicly endorsed Democratic candidate Josh Shapiro in his race against state Sen. Doug Mastriano for Pennsylvania governor. At least 16 Republicans publicly threw their support behind Shapiro in August after it was reported Mastriano posed for a photo wearing a Confederate uniform in 2014.
The governors race in Pennsylvania has become one of the higher-profile races, as it could have implications for how the 2024 presidential election is carried out in a key swing state. Throughout his campaign, Mastriano has backed claims by Trump that the 2020 election was rigged.
Republicans who have backed Shapiro include Michael Chertoff, who served as the secretary of Homeland Security under former President George W. Bush, and former state Rep. Mario Civera.
[Shapiro is] a staunch defender of our democratic institutions and will lead Pennsylvania with honor and integrity. I am proud to support his campaign for governor, Chertoff said.
Texas
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is seeking reelection this year, but several high-profile Republicans in the state, including former Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff, have opted to support his Democratic opponent, Mike Collier.
Patrick is endorsed by Trump and touts the support on his website.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
"As a former elected Republican, I'm putting partisanship aside and joining the growing number of Republicans voting for the man we think is best for Texas, and that's Mike Collier," Ratliff said in a statement.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley and state Sen. Kel Seliger, both Republicans, have also endorsed the Democrat.
- Republicans wanted Jack Smith to give them a smoking gun. They got a gaffe instead. - Politico - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Senate Republicans are targeting Jack Smith instead of making things more affordable - US Senator Cory Booker (.gov) - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Murray Calls Out Republicans Failure to Defend Funding for Families & Congress Power of the Purse - Senator Patty Murray (.gov) - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Democrats are running pastors for office. Republicans are attacking their religious comments. - Politico - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Republicans are slow to learn a simple lesson: They cant get the better of Jack Smith - MS NOW - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- US Republicans Werent Happy With Trumps Hosting of Xi - The Diplomat Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Republicans scheme to block Trumps funding cancellations - Politico - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Republicans cant stop talking about banning trans athletes - The 19th News - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- As Republicans break with Trump, one gets a brushback: From the Politics Desk - NBC News - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Why Republicans are throwing money at the Texas Senate race | CNN Politics - CNN - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Senate Republicans make a final legislative push ahead of the midterms - The Washington Post - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Opinion | Trumps immigration crackdown is testing Latino Republicans - The Washington Post - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Opinion | Republicans and Democrats can agree on dreamers. Just look at Texas. - The Washington Post - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Trumps Campaign Schedule Is a Really Bad Sign for Republicans - New York Magazine - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- In Iowa, Republicans feel the heat and try to motivate frustrated base - The Washington Post - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Heres What Could Happen if Republicans Win in November - WSJ - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Senate Republicans rip dirtbag Jack Smith over Trump investigations: You make me want to throw up in my mouth - New York Post - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Republicans fear they havent done a damn thing to lower prices ahead of midterm reckoning - Fox News - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- These Republicans Have Called on Trump to Ban Diesel Exports - The New York Times - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Even some Republicans arent on board with Trumps taxpayer-financed election propaganda - MS NOW - September 29th, 2026 [September 29th, 2026]
- Commentary: Arkansas Republicans betting on Trumpism without Trump - Arkansas Advocate - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- ICE operations are making it hard for vulnerable Republicans fighting for their political survival - Politico - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Where Republicans are playing offense ahead of the midterms - CNN - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Republicans fear two key Senate races are slipping from their grasp - CNN - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Can Republicans Spend Their Way to Victory? - puck.news - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Republicans fear a blue wave, but the midterms could be a tsunami - thetimes.com - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Texas Republicans have weathered blue waves before. Is 2026 different? - Austin American-Statesman - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- West Texas Republicans and voters wait for Ken Paxton's Texas U.S. Senate campaign rally to start in Lubbock, Texas, on September 19, 2026. Paxton is... - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE DISGUSTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF DONALD TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS Congressman Hakeem Jeffries -... - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Trump wearing thin? Welcome to the sane world, Republicans | Opinion - News & Observer - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Republicans fear two key Senate races are slipping from their grasp - WPSD Local 6 - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Republicans grow worried as key Senate and House races tighten - The Jerusalem Post - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- One normally quiet Texas race shows 2026 will be a wipe out for Republicans, Dem stategist claims - New York Post - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- The Republicans Are Bolting From Trump - The Atlantic - September 26th, 2026 [September 26th, 2026]
- The Week Republicans Finally Panicked About Trump - The New Yorker - September 26th, 2026 [September 26th, 2026]
- Senate Republicans block Democratic effort to end US war with Iran - The Guardian - September 26th, 2026 [September 26th, 2026]
- Senate rejects resolution calling to end the Iran war as most Republicans stick with Trump - NBC News - September 26th, 2026 [September 26th, 2026]
- Larry Kudlow: This is a 'wake up call' for Republicans - Fox Business - September 26th, 2026 [September 26th, 2026]
- Republicans Have Tough Sell Convincing Voters on Trump Break - Bloomberg.com - September 26th, 2026 [September 26th, 2026]
- Republicans are already starting to give up on Michael Whatley in NC | Opinion - Charlotte Observer - September 26th, 2026 [September 26th, 2026]
- Why so many Republicans are rejecting Trumps AI vision for education - vox.com - September 26th, 2026 [September 26th, 2026]
- Trumps approval plunges into the 20s, and Republicans give up - The Hill - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Missouri seeks to use congressional redistricting map expected to benefit Republicans - SCOTUSblog - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Republicans may have gerrymandered their way into a Texas-sized Latino problem - MSN - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- These factors could influence Iowa Republicans to call for action to lower fuel costs - KTIV - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Republicans in Tight Senate Races Call for End to Iran War - The New York Times - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Voters, mostly Republicans, are losing trust in USPS after Trumps assault on mail voting - Democracy Docket - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- We Finally Found Out What It Would Take for Republicans to Abandon Donald Trump - Slate Magazine - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Republicans dump cash into red states as they try to hold the line against Democrats in the midterms - AP News - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Republicans were bullish about the Senate. Now theyre playing defense in red states. - Politico - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Stelson gets a boost from Republicans for Stelson event as race against Perry heats up - ABC27 - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Republicans Running Scared in the Rio Grande Valley - The American Prospect - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- GA Dems believe they can flip state House in November, Republicans believe they can keep majority - 11Alive.com - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Senate Republicans increase ad buy for Ken Paxton to $100 million - The Texas Tribune - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Tim Scott to Senate Republicans: Were still in this - Semafor - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- What Republicans want and dont want to see from Trumps meeting with Chinese president - Deseret News - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Midterm Pressure Has Some Republicans Breaking With Trump - Bloomberg.com - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Thune Says Republicans Need To Be Their Own Person For Midterms As Trumps Approval Rating Worsens - Forbes - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Republicans Withdraw Support of Maldonado - Montgomery Perspective - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Trumps White House press ban is dividing Republicans on Capitol Hill - ms.now - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Stelson gets a boost in support from 'Republicans for Stelson' event as race against Perry heats up - ABC27 - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Were gonna get crushed: Republicans privately say theyre doomed in the midterms - ms.now - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Democrats and Republicans find common ground in affordable housing debate: Curb corporate landlords - Georgia Public Broadcasting - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- How red went from the color of revolution to the color of Republicans in US politics - The Conversation - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- He is kryptonite: Republicans start breaking with Trump - politico.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Abbott rallies East Texas Republicans at Longview campaign stop ahead of midterms - cbs19.tv - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Iowa Republicans in battleground House races join vote to halt the Iran war - PBS - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- China believes Trump and Republicans will win the midterm elections, expert says - Fox Business - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- What Exactly Is a Wave Election? And Should Republicans Be on High Alert? - nytimes.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Farm-state Republicans are having a cow over Trump's beef imports as Election Day approaches - politico.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Republicans in Tough Races Are Tip-Toeing Away From Trump - WSJ - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Republicans wanted to run against Mamdani. They're running against Hochul instead. - politico.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Baldwin Calls Out Republicans for Refusing to Act on AI, Demands Congress Protect Families and Workers - Urban Milwaukee - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Georgia Republicans get it together, separately - ajc.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Trump famously demands loyalty. Vulnerable midterm Republicans are increasingly defying him in public - CNN - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Republicans Reel on the Midterm Map as Deep-Red Areas Come Into Play - nytimes.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Republicans back Trumps ban of liberal news outlets from White House - Washington Times - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Trump Torches Republicans Election Message by Thirsting Over Socialist - The Daily Beast - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Rep. Eric Burlison: 'Most of my colleagues are drunk on spending other people's money...even Republicans' - Fox News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Republicans Are Losing Key Supporters That Fueled Donald Trumps 2024 Win - Newsweek - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]