Nick Langworthy defeats Carl Paladino in N.Y.'s 23rd district primary

• Former President Trump did not make an endorsement during the bitter primary battle, though both candidates heavily emphasized their connections to him.
• The newly drawn seat was not contested by retiring Rep. Chris Jacobs (R-N.Y.) or former Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.), who resigned in May.

By the numbers: Paladino outraised Langworthy $1.5 million to $370,000 as of the beginning of August, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

• Paladino also had a powerful backer in Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who reportedly held a tele-rally for him the night before the election.
• But Paladino's long history of scandal came back to haunt him during the race – particularly his praise of Hitler in a 2021 radio interview.

The big picture: Paladino’s loss underscores an increasingly clear reality for right-wing primary challengers: Trump’s endorsement is a make-or-break asset.

• Paladino wasn't the only ultra MAGA candidate to lose their primary on Tuesday.

• Florida House candidates Laura Loomer and Anthony Sabatini also fell short, as did Robert Cornicelli, a challenger to Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), according to AP. None had Trump's nod.

What’s next: Langworthy will face Max Della Pia, the Democratic nominee, in the general election for the seat in November.

• Langworthy is favored in the general election — the district voted for Trump by more than 13 points in 2020 and Cook Political Report rates it "Solid R."
• Della Pia lost a special election to complete Reed's term on Tuesday, per AP.