Trump Endorses Rick Brattin for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District

Trump backs state Senator Rick Brattin, a Marine veteran, and lists Governor Mike Kehoe and three sitting congressmen among his supporters in the race.

First Published: August 3, 2026, 3:28 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald J. Trump endorsed Rick Brattin, a Missouri state senator and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, for the state’s 5th Congressional District seat.

Brattin carries the backing of Governor Mike Kehoe and Congressmen Jason Smith, Bob Onder and Eric Burlison, Trump said in a post on truthsocial. Trump framed the candidate as a fighter who would advance a border-security and tax-cutting agenda in Washington.

“Rick Brattin has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Missouri’s 5th Congressional District — RICK WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump said in the post.

The endorsement links a sitting president’s political capital to a state legislator seeking a jump to federal office, a move that can reshape a competitive primary in hours.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “It is my Great Honor to endorse MAGA Warrior, Rick Brattin, who is running to represent the wonderful people of Missouri’s 5th Congressional District! Rick is strongly supported by many of the greatest America First Patriots in Missouri, including Governor Mike Kehoe, and Congressmen Jason Smith, Bob Onder, and Eric Burlison, among others! From bravely fighting for the U.S. Marine Corps, to strongly representing his community as a State Senator, Rick has served his State and Nation with great distinction, and will bring that same Fighting Spirit to the U.S. Congress. Everywhere Rick Brattin has gone, he has been respected! As your next Congressman, Rick will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment, which I have flawlessly fought to protect for many years. Rick Brattin has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Missouri’s 5th Congressional District — RICK WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” on August 3, 2026 at 7:18 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 33rd message released today, and the last post was five minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 95 of his 489 posts over the last 30 days classified as Elections posts.

Trump referenced a related post on his own account by mentioning the source (see truthsocial). The endorsement rests on Brattin’s Marine Corps service and his tenure in the Missouri Legislature. Brattin serves in the Missouri Senate, a chamber of 34 members, according to senate.mo.gov.

An endorsement from Trump carries weight in Republican primaries, where a large share of voters identify with his agenda. The winner of the 5th District race stands to gain national fundraising visibility and a foothold in a chamber where control can turn on a handful of seats. Rival candidates in the same primary lose the momentum that a presidential nod delivers.

Missouri’s congressional map holds 8 U.S. House seats, and the state’s delegation has leaned Republican in recent cycles, according to house.gov. A single endorsement in one district shifts the local contest more than it moves the national balance, yet primaries decided by narrow margins have flipped on far less.

The outcome shapes who casts votes on tax, energy and border legislation that reaches the House floor. A representative’s positions on those measures affect household costs and federal policy that touches daily life.

This has happened before. Trump has issued hundreds of endorsements across House, Senate and gubernatorial races since 2016, and candidates have often cited his backing as a decisive edge in crowded Republican primaries. The pattern repeats each cycle, with early endorsements aimed at clearing a field before a primary date.

Missouri voters will make the next decision at the ballot box. A date for the district’s primary and general contests tied to this endorsement has not been announced in the post.

Presidential endorsements shaping congressional races isn’t the first time a party leader has tried to hand-pick a nominee. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, split with his own party in 1912 and ran on the Progressive ticket after his handpicked successor drifted from his agenda, according to britannica.com. The rupture divided Republican voters and handed the White House to Woodrow Wilson, a lesson that a leader’s blessing can reshape a field yet cannot guarantee the result.