Republican Arizona Senate candidate Kelli Ward is distancing herself from Stephen Bannon following the former Breitbart News executive’s dramatic break with President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE.

“He was never part of my campaign,” Ward, a former state senator, said in an interview on CNN Thursday. “He was never an adviser. He was not somebody that I’d reach out and talk to in any way shape or form, so it’s funny that you and the establishment would love to tie me to Steve BannonStephen (Steve) Kevin BannonFormer Trump adviser Jason Miller to join reelection campaign GOP lawmaker calls on Senate to confirm Michael Pack as head of US media agency Steve Bannon is winning MORE.”

Ward added that she is unsure whether she “ever got a full endorsement from Steve,” although she once touted his endorsement along with those her other high-profile backers, including conservative pundit Sean Hannity and Sen. Rand PaulRandal (Rand) Howard PaulRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Louisville passes ‘Breonna’s Law’ banning no-knock warrants Rand Paul aide joins Trump campaign, RNC fundraising group MORE (R-Ky.).

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Several advisers to a pro-Trump outside group that Bannon once used as his vehicle for campaign endorsements are working on Ward’s campaign. On several occasions over the last year, Ward also met privately with Bannon or attended Breitbart events where he was a featured speaker.

But Bannon has been banished from Trump’s circle following the release of Michael Wolff’s book “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,” in which the former White House chief strategist disparages Trump’s family. Those remarks also cost Bannon his position as chairman of Breitbart News.

Bannon’s endorsement was once coveted by insurgent candidates like Ward, but many of those candidates are backtracking fast and siding with Trump in the explosive dispute with Bannon.

“I am distancing myself from Steve Bannon,” Ward said. “He’s made some significant mistakes, significant gaffes that are unacceptable to me. I support the president, I support the president’s family.”

Ward is running to replace Sen. Jeff FlakeJeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeGOP lawmakers stick to Trump amid new criticism Kelly holds double-digit lead over McSally in Arizona: poll Trump asserts his power over Republicans MORE (R-Ariz.). Flake, who is among Trump’s most vocal critics, opted to retire from Congress rather than face a primary that was certain to pit him against the president’s energized base of supporters.

Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, whom Trump pardoned last year, jumped into the primary race this week, and Rep. Martha McSallyMartha Elizabeth McSallyGOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police No evidence of unauthorized data transfers by top Chinese drone manufacturer: study Senate Democratic campaign arm launches online hub ahead of November MORE (R-Ariz.) is also said to be mulling a bid.

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