2022 primaries: Trump-endorsed candidate wins in West Virginia, loses in Nebraska


Former President Donald Trump's favored candidates won in one of Tuesday's highest-profile Republican primary races and lost in another, handing Trump his first big loss of the midterm influencing season.
In West Virginia, Rep. Alex Mooney (R) is projected to win his primary for the newly drawn 2nd Congressional District, defeating fellow incumbent Rep. David McKinley (R). Trump had endorsed Mooney, while Gov. Jim Justice (R) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D) had backed McKinley. Mooney is heavily favored to beat Barry Wendell, an openly gay Morgantown city councilor who won the Democratic primary.
In Nebraska, hog farmer, veterinarian, and University of Nebraska regent Jim Pillen is the projected winner of the crowded GOP gubernatorial primary, beating state Sen. Brett Lindstrom, Trump-endorsed business executive Charles Herbster, and several other candidates. Pillen was backed by term-limited Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) and most of Nebraska's GOP establishment. Trump campaign for Herbster even after the candidate was accused of groping and sexual assault by eight women; Herbster denies the allegations. Pillen is expected to beat state Sen. Carol Blood, who easily won Nebraska's Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In other races Tuesday, Rep. Don Bacon (R) fended off a challenge from roofer Steve Kuehl in Nebraska's somewhat competitive 2nd Congressional District, while state Sen. Tony Vargas won the Democratic nomination. In Nebraska's 1st Congressional District, state Sen. Mike Flood (R) and state Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks (D) will compete in the June 28 special election to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R) after he was convicted of lying to federal investigators about illegal campaign contributions.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
July 6 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Sunday’s political cartoons include paying for school lunch by enlisting, and the banality of evil
-
5 biting editorial cartoons about 'Alligator Alcatraz'
Cartoons Artists take on dangerous green things, historical precedent, and more
-
A journey into the deep past on beautiful Arran
The Week Recommends New Unesco Global Geopark played a 'key role' in the birth of modern geological science
-
How will Trump's megabill affect you?
Today's Big Question Republicans have passed the 'big, beautiful bill' through Congress
-
Judge blocks Trump's asylum ban at US border
Speed Read The president violated federal law by shutting down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers, said the ruling
-
How successful would Elon Musk's third party be?
Today's Big Question Musk has vowed to start a third party after falling out with Trump
-
Thai court suspends prime minister over leaked call
Speed Read Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended, pending an ethics investigation
-
Senate passes GOP megabill after Alaska side deal
The pivotal yes vote came from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose support was secured following negotiated side deals for her home state Alaska
-
How would the Trump administration denaturalize immigrant citizens?
Today's Big Question Using civil courts lowers the burden of proof
-
'Trucking is a dangerous business'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump sues LA over immigration policies
Speed Read He is suing over the city's sanctuary law, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities