Former Trump Administration Official Says President’s Endorsement of Opponent Won’t Alter Campaign for Alabama’s 2nd District
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OZARK, Ala. | Republican congressional candidate David Matthews says he remains fully committed to his campaign for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District despite President Donald Trump’s endorsement of a rival candidate, framing the development as a moment of gratitude rather than disappointment.
In a personal video message released Tuesday, Matthews responded publicly after President Trump endorsed State Rep. Rhett Marques ahead of the Aug. 11 Republican special primary. Rather than criticizing the endorsement, Matthews reflected on the profound influence Trump’s political rise has had on his personal and professional life, emphasizing that the president “owes me nothing.”
“President Trump owes me nothing,” Matthews said. “He does not owe me an endorsement. He does not owe me a favor. I owe him gratitude. His decision to run for president changed my life, changed my family’s life, and gave me opportunities to serve this country that I never could have imagined.”
The response marks a notable departure from the criticism that often follows high-profile political endorsements in competitive races. Instead, Matthews positioned himself as a loyal supporter of Trump while reaffirming his determination to continue pursuing the congressional seat.
A Political Journey Shaped by Trump
According to Matthews, his connection to Trump’s political movement dates back to the president’s first campaign. He recalled watching Trump’s 2015 presidential announcement before later joining the campaign as an unpaid field representative in Wisconsin and subsequently serving as Western Pennsylvania Field Director during the 2016 election cycle.
Matthews said those experiences ultimately transformed both his career and family life.
“Because Donald Trump chose to run, I met my wife, Emily,” Matthews said. “Today we have five beautiful children. I would not have the life I have now if he had not stepped forward when he did. That is why this moment is not about bitterness. It is about gratitude, humility, and keeping my word.”
Following Trump’s election, Matthews served in the administration and later returned to federal service during Trump’s second administration, including work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture focused on agriculture policy, rural development, and federal program delivery.
Campaign Continues Despite Endorsement
Matthews said he left a position he enjoyed in Washington to return to Alabama and seek the congressional seat, describing the decision as a response to both personal conviction and faith.
“I never planned to run for office,” Matthews said. “For years, my answer was simple: if God opened the door and made the path clear, I would step onto it. On May 20th, that door opened. Emily and I prayed about it and stepped on that path. Today’s news does not change that.”
The Republican special primary scheduled for Aug. 11 will determine the party’s nominee without a runoff election. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, making the contest one of the most closely watched congressional races in Alabama this year.
Focus on Local Representation
Matthews said his campaign remains centered on providing conservative leadership informed by his experience in federal government and his roots in southeast Alabama.
He argued that communities across the Wiregrass, River Region, and rural portions of Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District need a representative who understands both local concerns and how federal agencies operate.
“This campaign has never been about entitlement,” Matthews said. “It is about service. It is about the people of the Wiregrass, the River Region, and the rural communities across this district. I am grateful for President Trump, I respect him, and I am staying in this race because I believe this is the path God opened.”
As the campaign enters its final stretch before the August primary, Matthews’ response signals that he intends to continue competing aggressively for support despite facing an opponent who now carries the endorsement of one of the Republican Party’s most influential figures.
With voters set to decide the race in less than two months, Matthews is betting that his experience in both Trump administrations, his ties to the district, and his message of service will resonate with Republican primary voters across Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.
You can watch his full response here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3_yZq8cZyE
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