Trump endorses conservative mega-donor in Wyoming GOP gubernatorial primary

President Trump offered an eleventh-hour endorsement on Tuesday to conservative mega-donor Foster Friess in Wyoming’s GOP gubernatorial primary. 

“To the incredible people of the Great State of Wyoming: Go VOTE TODAY for Foster Friess – He will be a fantastic Governor! Strong on Crime, Borders & 2nd Amendment,” Trump tweeted. “Loves our Military & our Vets. He has my complete and total Endorsement!”

To the incredible people of the Great State of Wyoming: Go VOTE TODAY for Foster Friess – He will be a fantastic Governor! Strong on Crime, Borders & 2nd Amendment. Loves our Military & our Vets. He has my complete and total Endorsement!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 21, 2018

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The endorsement came as voters in Wyoming headed to the polls for the state’s primaries. Friess, who made his fortune in investment and asset management, is vying against a crowded GOP field in Tuesday’s gubernatorial primary.

His most significant challenger is Wyoming state Treasurer Mark Gordon, who remains the only candidate in the race with extensive experience in public office.

Trump’s endorsement is likely to pack a powerful punch in Wyoming, especially in a Republican primary. Voters in the state gave Trump his largest margin in the country in the 2016 presidential election. 

Friess previously secured the endorsement of Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who penned an op-ed earlier this month in the Casper Star-Tribune in which he called Friess “a true partner to President Trump in pursuing the Make America Great Again agenda.”

Since announcing his candidacy in April, Friess has sought to talk up his ties to the Trump administration, including to officials such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. 

Friess is a well-known donor in conservative circles. Even as he campaigned for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in Wyoming, he gave to campaigns nationwide, including that of Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who is expected to easily win her primary on Tuesday.