President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama have both put their political weight behind candidates in the 2026 midterm elections, but their endorsements reflect two markedly different approaches to shaping their respective parties.

Both presidents have moved to back candidates in key races across the country, but Trump often casts his net wide and early, handing out endorsements in the primaries months before voters head to the polls. Obama, however, has historically held back, waiting to offer his support in the general election once contentious primaries have concluded.