Trump Endorses Brown in Nevada Senate Race, Boosting His Primary Chances

Former President Donald J. Trump announced his endorsement of Sam Brown, an Army veteran, for the Republican nomination in Nevada's U.S. Senate race. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Mr. Trump described Mr. Brown as a "fearless American patriot" who would "fight tirelessly" to secure the border and bolster the economy.

The endorsement, arriving just before the June 11 primary and after early voting concluded, strengthens Mr. Brown's position as the leading candidate and a strong contender for the general election against incumbent Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen. Mr. Brown has outpaced his primary opponents in fundraising, secured the backing of Nevada's Republican governor, Joe Lombardo, and consistently led in recent polls, though many were commissioned by his own campaign.

Mr. Trump's endorsement was the final piece of the puzzle for Mr. Brown. While he has campaigned as a staunch supporter of the former president, his late endorsement of Mr. Trump's 2020 re-election bid provided an opening for his primary rivals. Jeff Gunter, a wealthy dermatologist and Mr. Trump's former ambassador to Iceland, positioned himself as a "MAGA" candidate, criticizing Mr. Brown in television advertisements and vying for Mr. Trump's endorsement.