But there’s another key thread: Trump is looking to find races where his endorsement can be tied directly to a hopeful’s fate.

He has stayed away from several competitive GOP Senate primaries where multiple candidates are running as acolytes, including in Missouri, Arizona and Ohio. In Pennsylvania, Trump endorsed Sean Parnell — only to see Parnell suspend his campaign amid domestic abuse allegations. That served as a warning that he needed a better vetting process.

In cases where Trump doesn’t have a long-standing relationship with the candidate — or isn’t making the endorsement to thwart an adversary — Republicans familiar with the process describe a more cautious and strategic approach than the one he pursued as president or in the immediate aftermath of his defeat.

A small set of advisers, led by longtime counselor Susie Wiles, vets candidates seeking Trump’s endorsement.