President Trump emerged victorious in two pivotal Republican runoffs on Tuesday, as Sen. Darline Graham secured the nomination in South Carolina and former state Rep. Mike Mazzei clinched the nod in Oklahoma's gubernatorial race. The wins provide a much-needed boost to Trump's political capital, which had been dented by a series of primary defeats earlier this cycle.
In South Carolina, Graham defeated Rep. Ralph Norman by nearly 5 percentage points, according to Decision Desk HQ. Appointed to fill the remainder of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham's term, she faced questions about her political inexperience after a debate gaffe where she admitted being "not that informed on national security." Despite this, Trump's endorsement and a $827,000 investment from his super PAC MAGA Inc. helped her overcome the challenge.
In Oklahoma, Mazzei narrowly edged out Attorney General Gentner Drummond by about half a point. Trump had heavily criticized Drummond in the days leading up to the runoff, labeling him a "fake Republican" and attacking his opposition to a Trump-backed aluminum plant and his stance on tariffs and beef imports.
These victories underscore Trump's continued sway over the GOP base, even as his gubernatorial picks in Minnesota, Iowa, South Carolina, Georgia, and Wyoming all lost earlier this year. His House endorsements have also faced setbacks, with Reps. Andy Ogles (Tenn.) and Cory Mills (Fla.) losing their primaries. However, his Senate picks remain undefeated.
Trump touted his record on social media earlier this week, claiming his "endorsements are stronger than ever." The results in South Carolina and Oklahoma validate that assertion, at least in these critical races.
In Oklahoma, the Democratic nod for Senate went to a democratic socialist, marking another win for the party's left wing. Meanwhile, in Georgia, a new Democrat is heading to Washington to fill the remainder of the late Rep. David Scott's term.
Graham's victory speech was a direct thank-you to Trump, saying, "South Carolina is truly Trump country" and acknowledging his role in her win. "Our victory would not have been possible without you," she told him.
The outcomes also signal that Trump's endorsements remain a powerful force in GOP primaries, particularly when he invests heavily and campaigns in person. As the November midterms approach, these results will likely embolden the president to continue wading into contested races.
For more on Trump's political influence, see this report on a Kentucky candidate distancing from Trump. And for analysis of the South Carolina race, check our live results and analysis.
