Trump-backed candidate wins NH GOP Senate primary to take on Shaheen

Corky Messner won the New Hampshire Senate GOP primary on Tuesday, setting him up to take on Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D) in the November general election. 

The Associated Press called the race for Messner at 11:11 p.m. EDT.

Messner, a military veteran and attorney, beat out three other Republican candidates, including retired Gen. Don Bolduc. 

President Trump endorsed Messner in June, saying he’d be a “fantastic” senator for the state. 

“A West Point graduate, he served our Country in the Army with distinction. Strong on Jobs, Crime, Vets, Military and the Second Amendment …. He has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” Trump tweeted at the time. 

Republicans face an uphill battle in challenging Shaheen, a second-term incumbent. The Cook Political Report rates the Senate race as a “solid Democrat.”

Polls leading up to the primary showed Shaheen with a healthy margin ahead of both Messner and Bolduc.