Key facts
- Retiring or ousted Republican incumbents are not supporting Trump-backed candidates.
- Vocal opposition to Donald Trump has led to career evaporation for some Republicans.
- Liz Cheney lost her House seat in a landslide primary defeat in 2022.
- Bill Cassidy and Thomas Massie lost their primaries in May 2026.
A number of retiring or ousted Republican incumbents are not actively supporting their party's candidates, particularly those endorsed by Donald Trump. This trend reflects a consequence for Republicans who have opposed Trump, with many seeing their political careers end. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are noted examples of incumbents who are not fully backing Trump-aligned successors in key races.