Republican Senate candidate Corey Stewart of Virginia. Image by Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons

President Trump tweeted his congratulations on Wednesday to Republican Senate nominee Corey Stewart, who has several ties with the “alt-right.”

“Congratulations to Corey Stewart for his great victory for Senator from Virginia,” Trump tweeted. “Now he runs against a total stiff, Tim Kaine, who is weak on crime and borders, and wants to raise your taxes through the roof. Don’t underestimate Corey, a major chance of winning!”

Stewart will face off against Democratic incumbent and former Vice President candidate Tim Kaine in November.

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“Thank you, @realDonaldTrump,” Stewart tweeted in response to Trump. “Virginia will not let you down. #FireKaine #TakeBackVirginia #VAsen.”

Stewart, the chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, has gained notoriety for his associations with anti-Semitic and racist alt-right figures. At one point, he had called Paul Nehlen, an outspoken racist and anti-Semite, a “personal hero”.

Stewart also had to apologize for appearing at a news conference with Jason Kessler, an organizer of last year’s Charlottesville white nationalist protest. A major cornerstone of Stewart’s platform has been the preservation of Confederate monuments in Virginia.

Stewart’s victory few in the face of the Virginia Republican establishment, which had backed State Delegate Nick Freitas in the primary.

Juliana Kaplan is a news intern at The Forward. Email her at kaplan@forward.com or follow her on Twitter, @julianamkaplan

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