Trump Endorses Drew Clarke in Wisconsin Congressional Race
Locales: Pennsylvania, Washington, Virginia, UNITED STATES

Green Bay, WI - January 28, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Drew Clarke in the increasingly competitive race for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District on Tuesday, a move poised to significantly reshape the dynamics of the upcoming Republican primary. Clarke, the son-in-law of current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is vying for the seat vacated by retiring Representative Mike Gallagher.
The endorsement, delivered via Trump's Truth Social platform, highlights the enduring influence the former president wields within the Republican party and his continued commitment to backing candidates who champion his "America First" agenda. Trump's statement lauded Clarke as a future "great Congressman," directly linking the endorsement to both Duffy's support and Clarke's alignment with his political platform. The wording, "He has what it takes. Give him your vote!" echoes familiar Trump campaign rhetoric, designed to energize his base and rally support behind his chosen candidate.
This isn't just a simple endorsement; it's a strategic maneuver within a key district. Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District is a reliably Republican area in northeastern Wisconsin, meaning the primary winner is almost guaranteed to secure the seat in the general election. This makes the primary itself the pivotal battleground. Several Republican candidates are already competing for the nomination, but Trump's endorsement immediately elevates Clarke to frontrunner status.
Sean Duffy's own political history adds another layer to this story. The former Congressman previously represented Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District for seven years, building a strong base of support within the state. Duffy's public backing of Clarke, coupled with the Trump endorsement, creates a powerful combination of established political capital and grassroots appeal. Analysts suggest that Duffy's network and fundraising abilities will be crucial in bolstering Clarke's campaign.
Clarke's platform largely mirrors the tenets of Trump's "America First" policies. He's vocal about prioritizing American workers, strengthening border security, and reinforcing national defense. In numerous campaign speeches, Clarke has emphasized the need to revitalize American manufacturing, reducing the nation's dependence on foreign supply chains - a key issue resonating with voters in a state historically rooted in manufacturing. He has promised to fight for policies that incentivize domestic production and protect American jobs.
The endorsement comes at a critical juncture. Gallagher's early retirement announcement has opened up a power vacuum within the district, and candidates are scrambling to fill the void. While other contenders are expected to highlight their own qualifications and policy positions, they will now be forced to contend with the significant advantage conferred by Trump's backing. It remains to be seen if they can effectively counter the momentum Clarke is likely to gain.
Political observers are already speculating about the implications of this endorsement for the broader Republican landscape. Some believe it signals Trump's ongoing efforts to maintain control over the party and install loyalists in key positions. Others view it as a pragmatic move to secure a reliable ally in Congress, particularly as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Regardless of the motivation, the endorsement has undoubtedly injected a new level of intensity into the Wisconsin congressional race.
Clarke's campaign team is already preparing for an expected surge in donations and volunteer interest. They are focusing on mobilizing Trump's supporters within the district and leveraging Duffy's existing network to maximize outreach. The next few months will be crucial as Clarke seeks to solidify his position and secure the Republican nomination. The campaign is expected to face challenges, particularly in addressing critiques regarding Clarke's relative lack of political experience compared to other candidates. However, with the combined force of Trump and Duffy behind him, Drew Clarke is now a serious contender to represent Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District.
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[ https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-endorses-transportation-secretary-sean-duffys-son-in-law-congress ]