Who's the Trump-endorsed candidate? 'Misleading' ads by Masters prompt request for change

A top adviser to former President Donald Trump contacted U.S. House candidate Blake Masters asking that he remove or change a campaign ad suggesting he has Trump’s endorsement, according to communications from the adviser reviewed by the Arizona Republic.

The communications confirm earlier reporting by Politico.

Trump has endorsed Masters’ rival, former Arizona attorney general candidate Abe Hamadeh, in the race to represent Arizona’s West Valley-area 8th Congressional District.

That didn’t stop Masters, who Trump endorsed in his 2022 U.S. Senate campaign, from airing a television ad that suggested he has the former president’s support.

“Trump endorsed Masters,” the ad read in capital letters. It added, in a smaller type font, moments later: “In Senate campaign.”

“Trump called Masters an America First fighter,” the ad continued, atop footage of Masters and Trump shaking hands.

The Trump campaign has not returned multiple requests for comment on the ads but, the new communications confirm, it has taken action through back channels.

Trump campaign adviser Susie Wiles called Masters and asked that he take down the ad or change what could imply a current endorsement, Wiles wrote in communications sent Wednesday afternoon. 

Wiles did not return a request for comment.

Masters’ campaign has continued to send out texts that feature Trump's praise.

“Listen to President Trump: ‘Blake will always stand up for election integrity, very strong,’” the campaign wrote in a mass text message obtained by the Republic sent Saturday, with accompanying video of the former president praising Masters. 

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Hamadeh’s campaign wrote in a mass text sent shortly afterward: “Abe Hamadeh is the ONLY Trump endorsed candidate for Congress.”

In a Friday statement, Hamadeh’s campaign castigated Masters for continuing to “broadcast and distribute misleading ads” despite a “clear directive to cease.”

The campaign announced a new ad charging that Masters is “trying to trick voters” and reprising Hamadeh’s current nickname for his rival: “Blake the Snake.”

Masters and a spokesperson for his campaign did not return requests for comment.

Other candidates in the packed primary race are state Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale; Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma, R-Glendale; political newcomer Patrick “Pat” Briody; and former U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz.

The current officeholder, U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., is exiting Congress at the end of her term. She is a candidate for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Early voting for the July 30 primary has already begun.

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Laura Gersony covers national politics for the Arizona Republic. Contact her at 480-372-0389.