(CNN)To hear Donald Trump tell it, his endorsement is the equivalent to a golden ticket to Congress.
"88 and 2 (really 1) in ENDORSEMENTS this election cycle, and @FoxNews was critical," he tweeted in June 2020. "Has anyone ever done so well? I doubt it!"
But as is so often true with Trump, the reality comes up well short of his boasts. While this isn't exactly an emperor-has-no-clothes situation, it's quite clear from a look at the numbers that the former president's endorsement record is far more spotty than he would like his party to believe.
Tuesday night's special election in Texas' 6th district provides simply the latest example of the overblown influence of a Trump endorsement. The billionaire businessman had endorsed Susan Wright, the wife of the late congressman. (Ron Wright died of Covid-19 in February.)
"Susan has my Complete and Total Endorsement," Trump said in a statement on July 21. "She will make our Country proud. Vote on Tuesday!"
Read More
And on Monday, Trump doubled down:
"Big election tomorrow in the Great State of Texas! Susan Wright supports America First policies, our Military and our Veterans, is strong on Borders, tough on Crime, Pro-Life, and will always protect our Second Amendment. She will serve the people in the 6th Congressional District of Texas, and our Country, very well. Susan has my Complete and Total Endorsement. "
THE POINT -- NOW ON YOUTUBE!
In each episode of his weekly YouTube show, Chris Cillizza will delve a little deeper into the surreal world of politics. Click to subscribe!
Trump's Save America PAC put money behind those words, spending $100,000 on last-minute ads for her -- and recording a robocall to help drive turnout for her.
But Susan Wright lost to state Rep. Jake Ellzey. And it wasn't all that close -- 53% to 47%.
That means that Trump's record in special elections so far in 2021 is 1-1. (He had previously endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow, who ran and won to replace her late husband who also died of Covid-19.)
Which, admittedly, is a pretty small sample size. But Ballotpedia has been keeping a running count of Trump endorsees -- and their fates -- which gives us a broader and better look at the former president's actual record.
Ballotpedia breaks Trump endorsements into three categories: 1) General elections 2) Special elections 3) Battleground primaries (i.e., primaries that are competitive). Here's his record in each of those during the 2020 campaign:
* General elections: 141-42 (77%)
* Special elections: 3-2 (60%)
* Battleground primaries: 21-2 (91%)
Let's go through each of those categories.
In general elections, Trump has always padded his stats by endorsing lots and lots of incumbents who face almost zero chance of losing. Trump did a LOT of this in the 2020 cycle. For example, he endorsed Rep. James Comer in Kentucky's 1st district; Comer won with 75% in a seat that Trump won by almost 50 points. No one thought Comer was losing. Trump's endorsement had nothing to do with that fact.
Special elections are unique even within the world of campaign politics. They are often scheduled at odd times -- late July in an off-year is not a traditional voting time in Texas, for example -- and that produces low and odd turnouts. Any endorser, therefore, is going to struggle to make the right pick in special elections. They tend to be the gambling equivalent of a "pick 'em" -- meaning no one really knows what's going to happen.
The one place where it's clear that Trump's endorsement does matter is in contested Republican primaries. A 21-2 record is very, very good -- and suggests that if Trump endorses you in a normally scheduled primary, you are very likely to win.
Taken together, the numbers suggest that a Republican candidate -- whether incumbent or challenger -- still very much wants to have Trump's endorsement.
But that endorsement isn't a guarantor of victory -- no matter what Trump says.
Paid Content
China: 3 growth themes and potential not to be overlooked Funds by J.P. Morgan
Plastic Surgeon Reveals The 1 Thing Every Woman Should Be… Skin Care Guru
Recommended 1/5
Analysis: Bob Dole is just plain sick of Donald Trump
Andrew Clyde evading House mask fines, GOP colleague says
World's top level data center in Japan
Fact checking Rep. Jordan's claim that Speaker Pelosi was responsible for US Capitol security on January 6
Can CBD Oil Relieve Osteoarthritis And Joint Pain?
Analysis: Bob Dole is just plain sick of Donald Trump
Andrew Clyde evading House mask fines, GOP colleague says
Andrew Clyde evading House mask fines, GOP colleague says
Read More
这个新可携式冷气可能是2021年最天才的发明 FlakeAir 菲利克空调
Retirement Villages Near Central Might Have Seniors Packing Their Bags Senior Living | Sponsored Listings
Move-in this month & rent your fully serviced unit from $12000 Dash Living - Serviced Units with 30+ Perks
Health Ashton and Mila say we don't need to bathe every day. Here's…
Politics Capitol riot hearing does little to change minds of Trump-loyal…
U.S. Larry Nassar has thousands of dollars in his prison account…
U.S. See dog's heartbreaking reaction after owner abandons him
Politics This is what Republicans said as Capitol police told their stories…
Former Vice President Mike Pence Buys $1.93 Million Mansion in… Mansion Global
This new air conditioner with no installation necessary is selling… cooledge.live
Paid Content
Doctors Baffled: Simple Tip Relieves Years of Joint Pain and… Health Today Here's what full mouth dental implants should cost you in 2021 Dental Implants | Search Ads Doctors Baffled: Simple Tip Relieves Years of Joint Pain (Try… healthyday.online Diabetics: Here's How To Lower Blood Sugar (It's Genius!) Diabetes Freedom
More from CNN
Trump supporters are a big reason why Canada and the UK are… Analysis: The Trump wing just keeps sinking deeper into… Analysis: Mitch McConnell is doing something he deserves a lot… Fact check: Flood image of BMW with anti-Greta Thunberg sticker…
Recommended by