Trump's Endorsement Power on Full Display in South Carolina, Oklahoma Primaries
President Donald Trump's political influence proved decisive once again Tuesday night as his endorsed candidates clinched critical primary victories in South Carolina and Oklahoma. The wins reinforce the president's firm grip on the Republican Party heading into the November midterms, even as some of his other picks have stumbled in gubernatorial races this cycle.
Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) defeated Rep. Ralph Norman by nearly 5 percentage points in the Palmetto State's Senate runoff, while former state Sen. Mike Mazzei edged out Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond by about half a point in the Sooner State's governor's race, according to Decision Desk HQ.
How did Trump's endorsement carry Graham in South Carolina?
Graham, appointed to fill the remainder of her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham's term, faced mounting questions about her political experience after a widely criticized debate performance last week. When asked about Taiwan and the South China Sea, Graham admitted,
“I'm just going to be honest here. I'm not that informed on national security. But I do support the military.”
Trump rallied alongside Graham in the state last week and his super PAC MAGA Inc. poured $827,000 into the contest, its largest investment of the election cycle. The president defended Graham's honesty, telling reporters,
“She's very smart, and she was being honest. She's into the price of groceries... She is going to do what the military wants, and really what the president wants.”
“South Carolina is truly Trump country,” Graham told supporters in her victory speech. “Lindsey truly loved you and viewed you as one of his closest friends... Our victory would not have been possible without you, and we are truly grateful.”
The win was especially significant given that Trump's earlier gubernatorial pick in South Carolina, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, lost her primary. Graham will now face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the general election.
What does Mazzei's Oklahoma win mean for Trump's record?
Mazzei's narrow victory breaks a losing streak for Trump in gubernatorial primaries. His initial picks for governor in Minnesota, Iowa, South Carolina, Georgia, and Wyoming were all defeated earlier this cycle. He also suffered high-profile House primary losses this month, including GOP Reps. Andy Ogles (Tenn.) and Cory Mills (Fla.).
Despite those setbacks, none of Trump's Senate picks have lost a primary this year. The president boasted about his record on social media earlier this week, writing that his “endorsements are stronger than ever.”
The Oklahoma race turned contentious in its final days. Mazzei released a drug test after public pressure from Drummond, who had already done the same. Trump hammered the attorney general, calling him a “fake Republican.” Drummond, a rancher, opposed a Trump-backed aluminum plant in the state and criticized the president's tariff and beef import policies.
“I'm unafraid to disagree with the president when he's wrong, and he's wrong on tariffs. He's wrong on importing cheap beef,” Drummond told NewsNation Sunday.
Mazzei will face Democrat Cyndi Munson, the minority leader of the state House, in November.
Who won the Democratic primaries in Oklahoma and Georgia?
On the Democratic side, nurse N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a democratic socialist, secured her party's nomination for Senate in Oklahoma, defeating centrist Jim Priest. While Thomas is unlikely to win in November, an Oklahoma Democrat hasn't served in the Senate since 1994, her victory highlights the surging energy on the left this cycle.
In Georgia, former Gwinnett County Board of Education chair Everton Blair defeated the late Rep. David Scott's daughter, Marcye Scott, by about 6 percentage points in a special election runoff for the Atlanta-based seat. Blair will serve only a few months in Congress, as Democratic state Rep. Jasmine Clark already won the May primary for the full two-year term and is expected to win in November.
What's next for the 119th Congress?
Blair will join Democrat Aisha Wahab as new members of the 119th Congress. Wahab narrowly won a special election last week for former Rep. Eric Swalwell's California seat, which became vacant after Swalwell resigned amid sexual assault allegations he has denied.
The swearing-in date for Blair and Wahab remains unclear, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has not announced a timeline. The House returns from recess on Aug. 31. Once the two Democrats are inducted, the minority will grow from 212 to 214 members, while Republicans maintain their majority with 218 seats.
Frequently asked questions about the primary results
What does this mean for Trump's influence in the GOP?
Tuesday's results demonstrate that Trump's endorsement remains a powerful force in Senate and gubernatorial primaries, even as some House and gubernatorial picks have lost. His record in Senate primaries remains perfect this cycle.
Why was the South Carolina race so closely watched?
The race tested whether Trump's endorsement could overcome concerns about Graham's inexperience following her debate gaffe. Her victory signals that loyalty to Trump and his agenda outweighs traditional qualifications for many Republican voters.
How significant is the Oklahoma governor's race for November?
Oklahoma is a reliably red state, making Mazzei the heavy favorite in the general election. His win secures another governorship for Republicans and continues the party's dominance in the state.