President Donald Trump is already looking ahead to the 2028 elections, reportedly drawing up a list of Republican lawmakers he wants to challenge in primaries, according to Axios. The move comes after several Trump critics lost their primary races this cycle, but it could further strain the party's already narrow majorities in Congress.
Trump's Target List
The president's potential targets include Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, who clashed with Trump over the release of the Epstein files, and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has opposed Trump's unilateral military actions in Iran. Over the weekend, Trump publicly called for a challenger to Boebert, writing on Truth Social: "Is anyone interested in running against Weak Minded Lauren Boebert in Colorado's Fourth Congressional District?"
Boebert responded on X, saying she "knew the risks" when she supported Rep. Thomas Massie, a rare GOP critic of Trump in the House. She added, "I was, and will be, America First, America Always, and MAGA."
Fallout from Primary Challenges
Trump's allies have made clear that critics will face consequences. White House communications director Steven Cheung wrote on X: "Do not ever doubt President Trump and his political power. F*** around, find out." This followed the primary losses of Massie and Sen. Bill Cassidy, both occasional Trump critics.
However, the president's revenge tour has risks. The Republican Party holds only a three-vote edge in the Senate, and Trump's actions—such as endorsing a challenger to Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and the impending retirement of Sen. Thom Tillis after clashes with Trump—could jeopardize that majority.
2028 Presidential Race
Looking ahead, the most contentious GOP contest may be the 2028 presidential primary. With Trump term-limited, potential candidates include Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump has openly speculated about their prospects, enjoying the speculation over his successor.
Meanwhile, Democrats are projected to retake the House in the 2026 midterms, driven by Trump's unpopularity, voter anger over inflation, and the ongoing war with Iran.
