President-elect Trump’s allies are employing aggressive tactics, including threats of primary challenges, to pressure Republican senators who express hesitation towards his cabinet nominees, particularly Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. This high-stakes battle highlights the intense political pressure surrounding the confirmation process.
Tensions within the House GOP have escalated as members endorse primary challengers against their incumbent colleagues, leading to bitter infighting between conservative and pragmatic factions. Rep. Will Timmons, facing a primary challenger backed by the House Freedom Caucus, expressed concern about the domino effect of such endorsements. Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good has endorsed challengers to the right of current members, while his own campaign faces opposition from mainstream Republicans. The runoff election in Texas’ 23rd congressional district has also become a battleground between the two sides, with Reps. Matt Gaetz and Good supporting challenger Brandon Herrera against incumbent Rep. Tony Gonzales.
