Just a follow up to my riding mower issue. By jumping the large posts on top of the solenoid, it cranked and I was able to start the mower.
It looks like the circuit is incomplete. I’ll check all the connections. Thanks to you all for the helpful tips.
I do the exact same thing with my Sears DLT3000 lawn “tractor” lol. I use either a broken off golf club or a machete to jump it. Works great.