Trump 'threw a wrench' in 'ultra-MAGA' candidate's bid for former ally's seat: report

An "ultra-MAGA" Republican candidate who built his political brand on inflammatory rhetoric designed to catch Donald Trump's attention succeeded in gaining the president's praise—but his antics ultimately cost him a presidential endorsement that could have secured his path to Congress.

According to a Washington Post profile, Colton Moore, a former state senator, jumped into the race to replace Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) after the controversial lawmaker stepped aside following clashes with Trump.

Moore has been a persistent headache for Republican leadership in Georgia. He was banned by the Republican speaker from the House floor, a ban that eventually led to his arrest. His relentless harassment of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis—who is pursuing Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election—was so extreme it got him expelled from his own State Senate caucus.

Betting that his firebrand reputation would impress Trump, Moore hoped for a presidential endorsement that could propel him to victory among the 20 candidates competing in Tuesday's election. Instead, Trump threw him a curveball instead.

"In early February, Mr. Trump, who had praised Mr. Moore in the past, threw a wrench in the outrage machinery when he sided with Mr. Fuller," the Post reported, noting he is backing former prosecutor Clay Fuller instead.

Trump's endorsement of Fuller likely reflected electoral strategy. With Democrats targeting hard-right Republicans who have adopted aspects of the Greene playbook—including Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, known for his heavily armed family Christmas card, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who sponsored legislation to carve Trump's likeness on Mount Rushmore—the party needs reliable votes in a tight midterm race.

Undeterred, Moore insists he remains competitive without Trump's backing. "I mean, Clayton's got the swamp money. But we've got all the volunteers," Moore said.

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