Former President Donald Trump made a rare dual endorsement for Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh, both competing to represent the West Valley in Congress. This announcement came just days before the primary election on July 30.

The endorsements were announced Saturday evening, adding a new dynamic to an already competitive race, Arizona Republic reported.

Trump initially supported Hamadeh in December but later included Masters in his endorsement, reflecting a shift in his stance.

Trump Announces Support for Masters and Hamadeh

Trump's endorsement emphasized the qualities he values in both candidates. "Blake Masters is a very successful businessman and an incredibly strong supporter of our Movement to Make America Great Again — He is smart and tough!" Trump stated.

He also praised Hamadeh, saying, "Likewise, Abe Hamadeh, a Veteran, former prosecutor, and fearless fighter for Election Integrity, has been with me all the way!"

Arizona's 8th Congressional District in the Spotlight

The primary election is scheduled for July 30 and includes multiple candidates competing in Arizona's 8th Congressional District. This district covers parts of Maricopa and Yavapai counties, including Glendale, Peoria, Sun City West, and New River.

Public polling has shown a close race among the candidates, highlighting the significance of Trump's endorsement. Masters acknowledged support from Trump campaign members and other elected officials, while Hamadeh's campaign expressed confidence in his victory.

Candidates' Campaign Strategies

Masters and Hamadeh have both received Trump's backing in the 2022 election cycle for different positions.

Masters has focused his campaign on illegal immigration and has criticized Hamadeh's background. In contrast, Hamadeh has accused Masters of attacking his military service and cultural identity.

Masters emphasized the momentum of his campaign, stating, "I think the president saw polling, I think he saw me run a very pro-Trump campaign. I think everybody saw a close race with the momentum on my side." Hamadeh's spokesperson, Erica Knight, highlighted their grassroots support, saying, "Abe Hamadeh is confident that he will win this race because he was not only one of the first races in the country to have the support of President Trump but also has the unwavering support of grassroots patriots and the powerful backing of (Senate candidate) Kari Lake."

Divided Support Within Trump's Inner Circle

The division within Trump's inner circle over the race has led to different allies endorsing Hamadeh and Masters. Knight criticized Masters' campaign approach, stating, "While Blake' the Snake' Masters has run a despicable campaign attacking an Army veteran, Abe has been focused on the issues that are affecting everyday Arizonans."

Masters has focused on illegal immigration and positioned himself as a stronger candidate on this issue than Hamadeh. He stated that he hadn't spoken with Trump "in a few days" and hadn't discussed the endorsement "directly" with the former president.

Early Voting and the Road Ahead

Early voting in Arizona began on July 3, which has added urgency to the candidates' final campaign efforts. Both Masters and Hamadeh have worked to secure votes in the remaining days before the primary.

The race in Arizona's 8th Congressional District remains highly competitive, with both candidates leveraging their endorsements and campaign strategies to appeal to voters. The Republican Party will closely watch the outcome of this primary, as it may signal broader trends within the party.

Conclusion

As the primary election on July 30 approaches, former President Trump's dual endorsement has added a significant twist to the race in Arizona's 8th Congressional District.

Public polling shows a close contest, and with early voting already underway, the final days of the campaign are crucial for both Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh.

The division within Trump's inner circle and the candidates' differing campaign focuses highlight the complexities of this primary, making the outcome uncertain until all votes are counted.