Louisiana House candidate Blake Miguez, accused of rape in a 2007 police report, is seeking to regain Donald Trump’s endorsement after redistricting upended his campaign. The Republican state senator denies the allegation but hopes to earn the president’s backing again under new district lines.
Redistricting and the Callais v. Louisiana Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Callais v. Louisiana ruling forced the state to swiftly redraw its congressional districts. Miguez originally qualified for a May 16 primary in a safe Republican seat after securing Trump’s endorsement. However, that primary was postponed to November midterms following the court’s decision, leaving Miguez in limbo.
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Miguez is now weighing runs in two districts, neither of which he currently resides in — a legal option under state law. His campaign website was recently password-protected, and a spokesperson confirmed that the old endorsement applied only to a now-defunct district, adding: “Blake hopes to earn it again after he announces a campaign under the new district lines.”
The 2007 Rape Accusation
The Atlantic and the Guardian reported that a 2007 police report accused Miguez of rape, filed the same day as the alleged assault. No charges were ever filed, and Miguez maintains his innocence. The existence of the report was reportedly not disclosed to Trump’s team before the endorsement.
When asked whether the allegation would affect Trump’s support, a White House spokesperson said the president “has not made any changes nor does he have an intent to” rescind the endorsement, but added: “If new information changes things, we will cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Comparison of Endorsement Status
| Timeline | Endorsement Status |
|---|---|
| Before Callais decision | Trump endorsed Miguez for old District X |
| After Callais decision | District eliminated, endorsement voided by map change |
| Current | Miguez hopes to earn endorsement for new district, Trump undecided |
Key Takeaways
- Blake Miguez, a Louisiana state senator, is a congressional candidate accused of rape in a 2007 police report.
- He previously secured Trump’s endorsement for a district that no longer exists after Callais v. Louisiana.
- Miguez is considering running in two different districts, both outside his current residence.
- Trump’s team has not formally withdrawn the endorsement but will reassess based on new information.
- The rape allegation has not led to criminal charges, but its disclosure could influence future political backing.
FAQ
What is Blake Miguez accused of?
Blake Miguez was accused of rape in a 2007 police report filed in Louisiana. He denies the allegation, and no charges were ever filed.
Did Donald Trump rescind his endorsement of Miguez?
No, the White House clarified that Trump did not formally rescind the endorsement. However, the endorsement was tied to a now-eliminated district, and Trump will evaluate the candidate field after qualifying.
What is the Callais v. Louisiana decision?
Callais v. Louisiana is a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prompted Louisiana to redraw its congressional districts, affecting the primary schedule and district boundaries for candidates like Miguez.
What district is Blake Miguez considering running in?
Miguez is weighing a run in one of two districts, neither of which he currently lives in. He is allowed to run under Louisiana law as a candidate from the state.
As the November midterms approach, the Louisiana political landscape remains fluid. Miguez’s campaign must navigate both the redistricting fallout and the ongoing scrutiny of his past. Whether he can earn Trump’s endorsement again will depend on candidate qualifying and any new developments regarding the rape accusation. Stay tuned to GrandGoldman for updated coverage of this developing story.