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Former President Trump endorsed Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano for governor on Saturday.

Why it matters: Mastriano, who was present at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, has sought to undermine the 2020 election results and has proposed defying Pennsylvania's popular vote outcome in future elections.

 Axios' Jonathan Swan first reported that Trump was leaning toward endorsing Mastriano on Friday. 

He's a highly controversial figure, and Democrats see him as beatable in a general election, while Republicans fear him leading the ticket. 

What they're saying: Trump said in a statement that Mastriano "is a fighter like few others, and has been with me right from the beginning, and now I have an obligation to be with him."

The big picture: Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is term-limited, and his successor will determine the political dynamics of the state, Axios' Taylor Allen reports. 

The race could also ultimately decide the fate of abortion rights in the state.

Go deeper ... Primary election guide: Pennsylvania's governor race

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Trump endorses Doug Mastriano for governor of Pennsylvania

Mastriano was present at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and has sought to undermine the 2020 election results.

Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano speaking at a rally in Harrisburg in June 2021.

Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano speaks at a rally in Harrisburg in June 2021. Photo: Zach D Roberts/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Pennsylvania

Former President Trump endorsed Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano for governor on Saturday.Why it matters: Mastriano, who was present at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, has sought to undermine the 2020 election results and has proposed defying Pennsylvania&#x27;s popular vote outcome in future elections.

2024 will be an election year like no other, as President Biden seeks re-election amid economic uncertainty, two wars and questions about his age. His likely foe, former President Trump, faces felony charges and vows revenge on his political enemies. Meanwhile, Americans generally are dissatisfied with those choices and are divided over immigration, race, education and more.

Politics & Policy

Trump endorses Doug Mastriano for governor of Pennsylvania

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