President Trump
Donald John TrumpThe Guardian slams Trump over comments about assault on reporter Five takeaways from the first North Dakota Senate debate Watchdog org: Tillerson used million in taxpayer funds to fly throughout US MORE on Friday endorsed Nashville businessman Bill Lee (R) in the Tennessee governor’s race after Lee won the Republican nomination Thursday night.
“He ran a great campaign and now will finish off the job in November,” Trump tweeted of Lee. “Bill has my total and enthusiastic Endorsement!”
Congratulations to Bill Lee of Tennessee on his big primary win for Governor last night. He ran a great campaign and now will finish off the job in November. Bill has my total and enthusiastic Endorsement!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2018
Lee, an outsider and first-time candidate, defeated former state economic development commissioner Randy Boyd (R) and Rep. Diane Black
Diane Lynn BlackHow the Trump tax law passed: The final stretch Trump’s endorsements cement power but come with risks The Hill's Morning Report — Trump optimistic about GOP’s midterm prospects as Republicans fret MORE (R) in the primary. He will face Democrat and former Nashville mayor Karl Dean in November.
Vice President Pence had endorsed Black in the primary, but Trump had remained out of the governor’s race. Politico reported that he considered weighing in and possibly endorsing Black, but decided against it.
.@DianeBlackTN is running for Governor of TN & a strong supporter of #MAGA agenda of tax cuts, military $$ & a champion of right to life policies. There are great candidates running but Diane has been my friend for years, we served together in the House, & she has my support!
— Mike PenceMichael (Mike) Richard PenceThe Fed really is ‘crazy’ for undercutting Trump recovery Hillicon Valley: Russia-linked hackers hit Eastern European companies | Twitter shares data on influence campaigns | Dems blast Trump over China interference claims | Saudi crisis tests Silicon Valley | Apple to let customers download their data Dems blast Trump for 'conflating' Chinese, Russian election interference claims MORE (@mike_pence) July 27, 2018
Trump has previously praised Black, who was chairwoman of the House Budget Committee, for helping pass the GOP tax law.
Politico reported that Black had attempted to tie herself to Trump in campaign ads despite not receiving a formal endorsement.
