Sep 9, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Trump endorses Cheney challenger in Wyoming primary

Erin Doherty

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., is seen in the Capitol Visitor Center after a briefing by administration leaders on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 — Rep. Liz Cheney in the Capitol Visitor Center after a briefing by administration leaders on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan on Aug. 24. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Former President Trump on Thursday endorsed Harriet Hageman over Republican Rep. Liz Cheney in the Wyoming House primary contest, per a press release.

Why it matters: The primary will test the former president's hold on the GOP as he seeks to unseat Republican officials who challenged his false claims that he won the 2020 presidential election, Politico notes.

The big picture: Hageman, a lawyer, stepped down this week as the state’s national Republican committeewoman, the Washington Post reports.

Hageman once supported Cheney — donating to previous campaigns and serving on the congresswoman's leadership teams, per Politico.

Flashback: House Republicans ousted Cheney as their third-highest ranking member in May after months of backlash over her criticism of Trump and his unfounded claims of election fraud.

Go deeper: House Republicans vote to remove Liz Cheney from leadership

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Trump endorses Cheney challenger in Wyoming primary

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