Donald Trump Jr. Don John Trump'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic requests pardon from Trump: 'Be my hero please' Zaid Jilani discusses Trump's move to cancel racial sensitivity training at federal agencies Trump International Hotel in Vancouver closes permanently MORE, the president's eldest son, called on Republicans to oppose controversial former coal executive Don Blankenship in next week's West Virginia Senate primary as Republicans worry his win could jeopardize chances of keeping the seat.

Trump Jr. tweeted the message to his followers Thursday afternoon, five days before West Virginians head to the polls.

In his message, he referenced last year's Alabama Senate special election, where Republicans — including the White House — stuck with Republican nominee Roy Moore Roy Stewart MooreVulnerable Senate Democrat urges unity: 'Not about what side of the aisle we're on' Sessions hits back at Trump days ahead of Alabama Senate runoff Judge allows Roy Moore lawsuit over Sacha Baron Cohen prank to proceed MORE despite allegations of sexual misconduct, including a sexual encounter with a minor.

"I hate to lose. So I'm gonna go out on a limb here and ask the people of West Virginia to make a wise decision and reject Blankenship!" Trump Jr. tweeted.

"No more fumbles like Alabama. We need to win in November."

I hate to lose. So I'm gonna go out on a limb here and ask the people of West Virginia to make a wise decision and reject Blankenship!



No more fumbles like Alabama. We need to win in November. #wv #wvpol — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 3, 2018

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Blankenship spent one year in prison for a mine safety violation related to an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine, where 29 people died. After his release from prison last year, he launched his Senate bid.

Washington Republicans have warned that nominating Blankenship could blow the party's chances of defeating Sen. Joe Manchin Joseph (Joe) ManchinThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump, GOP allies prepare for SCOTUS nomination this week Trump meets with potential Supreme Court pick Amy Coney Barrett at White House Names to watch as Trump picks Ginsburg replacement on Supreme Court MORE (D-W.Va.) in the deeply Republican state. They'd prefer either Rep. Evan Jenkins Evan Hollin JenkinsWest Virginia New Members 2019 Republican Carol Miller holds off Democrat in West Virginia House race Trump to fundraise for 3 Republicans running for open seats: report MORE (R-W.Va.) or state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the two other top candidates in the race.

An outside group tied to Washington Republicans has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars attacking Blankenship.

Blankenship has criticized Washington establishment politicians. He also recently stirred controversy by using the term “Chinaperson” to refer to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellPelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Senate GOP aims to confirm Trump court pick by Oct. 29: report Trump argues full Supreme Court needed to settle potential election disputes MORE’s (R-Ky.) father-in-law.

The White House has not officially weighed in on the race, but during President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE's recent trip to West Virginia, he sat at an event flanked by both Jenkins and Morrisey, while Blankenship was not present.

Recent polling shows the former coal executive in a clear third place behind both candidates, but in an unpredictable, low-turnout election like a Senate primary, a Blankenship victory is still possible.