Donald Trump endorsed a former White House aide who’s running in the 2022 Republican primary against Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, R-Ohio, who voted for impeachment.
“Max Miller is a wonderful person who did a great job at the White House and will be a fantastic Congressman,” Trump said in a statement on Telegram. “He is a Marine Veteran, a son of Ohio, and a true PATRIOT.”
“Current Rep. Anthony Gonzalez should not be representing the people of the 16th district because he does not represent their interest or their heart,” Trump said. “Max Miller has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
Trump’s endorsement marks another break with the establishment Republican Party, following his fiery denunciation of Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
It’s also in line with his promise to “back primary rivals who espouse Making America Great Again and our policy of America First.”
Gonzalez, a former NFL wide receiver, has represented Ohio’s 16th District since 2019.
Gonzalez said he voted to impeach citizen Trump because he “helped organize and incite a mob that attacked the United States Congress in an attempt to prevent us from completing our solemn duties as prescribed by the Constitution,” Fox News reported.
Republicans have held the district since 1951, with one interruption from 2009-2011, when Barack Obama’s coattails led to a Democratic victory.
The winner of the Republican primary will likely win the seat.
Miller worked for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
After the victory, he transitioned into the White House’s office of presidential personnel and later became director of advance.
