Trump Endorses Florida Rep. Kim Kendall Ahead of Aug. 18 Primary

Trump backs Republican State Representative Kim Kendall for re-election in Florida's House District 18, praising her record on taxes and parental rights days before the primary.

First Published: August 15, 2026, 1:43 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald Trump endorsed Florida State Representative Kim Kendall for re-election, throwing his weight behind a Republican incumbent days before a contested primary.

Trump praised Kendall, who represents Florida’s 18th State House District in northern St. Johns County, as a former air traffic controller and small business owner who has served her community. His endorsement lands as Kendall navigates a competitive primary, according to votekimkendall.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “State Representative Kim Kendall is a Strong Champion for the Great People of Florida’s 18th State House District! A Highly Respected Air Traffic Controller and Small Business Owner, prior to becoming a distinguished State Representative, Kim has dedicated her life to serving her Community. In the State House, she is working hard to Protect Florida Values, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, Champion Parental Rights, Advance Election Integrity, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Kim Kendall has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” on August 15, 2026 at 5:32 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 18th message released today, and the last post was 0 minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 166 of his 537 posts over the last 30 days classified as Elections posts.

Kendall resides in St. Augustine and worked as an air traffic controller before entering politics. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and later attended the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy, becoming an Air Traffic Control Specialist in 1990, according to ciclt.net. She was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2024.

Kendall’s committee work includes assignments on education and employment, civil justice and claims, higher education, and workforce, according to ciclt.net. Her outside affiliations have included the Florida Federation of Republican Women and the Florida State College at Jacksonville Aviation Advisory Board.

The endorsement carries stakes for both sides. A Trump nod can shape turnout in a low-visibility state legislative race, benefiting Kendall while raising the bar for any primary challenger. It also reinforces Trump’s active role in local Florida contests, where his backing has become a sought-after asset for Republican candidates.

The next decision rests with voters. Florida’s primary election is scheduled for August 18, with early voting running from August 8 to August 15, according to votekimkendall. Kendall’s next general election would follow in 2026, according to ciclt.net.