An old campaign adage argued that political endorsements often aren’t worth the paper they are printed on, and until President Donald J. Trump, they were right. Now the most important political asset any Republican candidate could earn is the Trump endorsement, and how he’s using it will continue to reshape the Republican Party and freeze the 2024 field.

We have all watched as past Republican presidents fade into obscurity after departing the Oval Office. In most cases, their departures from D.C. marked the conclusion of their political ambition after weathering the arrows of the White House press corps. In each case, except for Ronald Reagan, their endorsements are seldom sought and matter little…

That’s why it came as little surprise when news broke late Thursday night that Congressman Anthony Gonzalez — one of the 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach President Trump — announced he would not seek reelection. He was being beaten badly in the polls by Max Miller, his Trump-endorsed challenger, and he recognized there was no viable path to victory.

President Trump’s success and influence continues to defy the political norms of the corrupt political class and, in doing so, he has established an unprecedented level of political influence.

So far in 2021, President Trump’s endorsement record in Republican elections is 10-0. Six of those victories were in competitive elections to lead the national and state Republican parties.