GOP Senate candidates in West Virginia are vying for the support of former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon and GOP mega-donors Robert, Diana and Rebekah Mercer.

McClatchy reported on Thursday that all three Mercers sent Rep. Evan Jenkins's (R-W.Va.) Senate campaign $5,200 each, the maximum allowable donation under campaign finance laws. that all three Mercers sent Rep. Evan Jenkins's (R-W.Va.) Senate campaign $5,200 each, the maximum allowable donation under campaign finance laws.

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Those donations raised eyebrows because Bannon has recently come out in support of West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, Jenkin's primary opponent.

A source close to Bannon told The Hill that the Mercers' donations came before Bannon got involved in West Virginia and that the donors are backing Morrisey.

The Mercers, who keep a relatively low profile, are one of the top donors supporting more conservative and insurgent-minded GOP candidates. Their backing, as well as support from Bannon, is a major storyline in the upcoming midterm campaign cycle.

– This story was updated at 12:22 a.m. with additional information