Trump Snubs Pastor Who Challenged Him, Endorses Air Force Veteran in Texas Primary

Trump Endorses Air Force Veteran Over Pastor Ryan Binkley in Texas Congressional Primary

President Donald Trump has endorsed Jace Yarbrough, a U.S. Air Force veteran and constitutional law attorney, in the Republican primary for Texas's newly redrawn 32nd Congressional District.

The endorsement, posted on Truth Social, calls Yarbrough an "America First Patriot" and praises his stances on jobs, taxes, energy dominance, and constitutional freedoms. Trump gave Yarbrough his "complete and total endorsement."

The move is notable because it bypasses fellow candidate Ryan Binkley, the founder and senior pastor of Create Church in Richardson, Texas, and CEO of Generational Group. Binkley challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, making him the sole challenger on Nevada's GOP caucus ballot, where Trump captured over 99% of the vote.

Jace Yarbrough is an America First Patriot who will fight for jobs, lower taxes, energy dominance, and constitutional freedoms. He has my complete and total endorsement!

Binkley later withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed Trump. He has since announced his candidacy for the 32nd District seat.

Early voting in Texas began on February 18, with the primary election scheduled for March 3, 2026. The 32nd District was redrawn by state lawmakers in 2025, shifting from a Democratic leaning district to solidly Republican territory. It spans parts of Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Hunt, Rains, Wood, Camp, and Upshur counties.

The crowded GOP primary includes nine candidates: Yarbrough, Binkley, James Ussery, Darrell Day, Paul Bondar, Gordon Heslop, Monty Montanez, Abteen Vaziri, and Aimee Carrasco.

Trump Backs Yarbrough Over Former Presidential Rival Binkley in Crowded Texas GOP Race

Yarbrough served in the U.S. Air Force and currently practices constitutional law. He has also received endorsements from the House Freedom Caucus Fund. The race is being closely watched as a test of Trump's endorsement power in open seat primaries heading into the 2026 midterms.

Binkley, who received minor national attention during his 2024 presidential bid, garnered 381 votes in Nevada's caucus. Despite his previous challenge to Trump, he endorsed the former president before the general election.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let's be honest about what's happening here. A pastor who ran against the sitting president, got crushed, endorsed him, and now wants a congressional seat in a freshly redrawn district. Trump's response? Endorse the other guy. That's politics. Binkley made his choice in 2024 and now he's living with the consequences. The real story is that Texas Christians have nine candidates to choose from. Do your homework. Look at their records, their faith, and their actual positions. Don't just follow endorsements blindly. Vote your conscience, pray for discernment, and put representatives in office who will defend the faith without compromise.

Take Action

• Research all nine candidates in the Texas 32nd District GOP primary before the March 3 election at Ballotpedia
• If you are a registered Texas Republican, make sure you vote. Early voting runs through February 28. Find your polling location at VoteTexas.gov
• Pray for godly leadership in the 32nd District and across all congressional races in the 2026 midterms
• Talk to your church community about the importance of Christian civic engagement and informed voting
• Support Christian candidates and organizations standing for biblical values. Consider giving to The Shepherd's Shield to advance the Kingdom through action