On top of that, Rep. John James of Michigan, according to an adviser who was granted anonymity to speak on the congressman’s future plans, is nearing a decision on a gubernatorial run, and Republicans are seeing polls that have them high on his primary prospects. James last month ruled out launching a bid for Michigan’s open Senate seat. “That’s [virtually] every national Black figure potentially getting a promotion in the next two years,” said Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), a close friend of Donalds. Both lawmakers did Black outreach for Trump during the presidential campaign. He added himself to this list, pointing to the reported headwinds his state's senior Sen. John Cornyn faces next year — and the possibility of him opting to retire. Hunt did not rule out a Senate run under the right circumstances and largely credits Trump’s commanding sway over the party as the reason more Black Republicans are seen as viable candidates. Trump, like no other Republican in modern memory, has had success in mobilizing Black voters, particularly Black men. So Black candidates who receive Trump’s endorsement, like Donalds did and how both Cameron and James have in the past, almost instantly become odds-on favorites to secure their party’s nomination. On top of that, Donalds, James and Cameron are all running in states Trump won in November. Hunt said his only trepidation about the prospects of these statewide candidates is that they are seeking higher office when Trump’s name will not be on the ballot. “I am kind of concerned with President Trump not being on top of the ticket from a turnout standpoint,” he said. “Regardless of who is running, turnout is going to be an issue because people turn out for President Trump.” Janelle King, the former deputy director of the Georgia Republican Party, said a Trump endorsement for these candidates would likely make the difference, likely to clear the primary field. So far only Donalds has received it, but it is no secret what Trump is looking for in order to receive his blessing. “Trump wants one who is loyal and someone who can do the job and not make them look bad,” said King, a member of the Georgia Board of Elections. She added that Cameron in Kentucky and James of Michigan already have relationships with the president. “If it happens to be that you're a minority you get the bump from that, then cool. But I don't think he cares about what you look like as much as he cares about how your results affect me?” It’s still unclear if Black Republican candidates will find success in 2025 and 2026. One question is whether Trump’s improvement with Black voters in the previous election will transfer to Black candidates running statewide. Another is whether Trump will be more selective when it comes to who he backs. In the past, his controversial picks have included some prominent Black candidates who flopped. Herschel Walker, the former NFL running back who Trump handpicked to challenge Sen. Raphael Warnock in Georgia in 2022 could not overcome a series of scandals. Nor could Mark Robinson, Trump’s choice for North Carolina governor last year. OJ Okela, a longtime GOP operative in Kentucky, said Trump’s likely learned from previous endorsement misses, adding that the current crop of candidates have been vetted by voters in their states. “I think the benefit that each of these candidates has is that they are tested,” he said. “They themselves have run for and won big time state races in the case of Daniel [Cameron] and Winsome Sears. With Byron Donalds, he’s a proven commodity implementing the president’s agenda … and so has John James.” For Black Republican candidates this year and next, Okela said, “I think there's going to be a mood and an enthusiasm that is going to be infectious.” Happy Monday. Hit me up for tips, complaints or whiskey recommendations at bbooker@politico.com and @brakktonbooker. Days until the 2025 election: 246 Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You’ll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day’s biggest stories.
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