Trump’s Endorsements Face Scrutiny in South Carolina Senate and Oklahoma Governor Races
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Republican runoffs in South Carolina and Oklahoma on Tuesday will test whether Donald Trump’s grip on the GOP is finally loosening after a string of embarrassing defeats for his handpicked candidates.
Voters in South Carolina and Oklahoma will head to the polls Tuesday in runoff elections that could expose the waning influence of President Donald Trump’s endorsements among Republican primary voters.
In South Carolina, the contest to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham has become a referendum on Trumpism. Darline Graham, Lindsey’s sister and Trump’s chosen candidate, was appointed to finish his term and led the initial August 11 primary, but failed to secure a majority. Her opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman, a hardline conservative, has openly challenged Graham’s qualifications, especially after her lackluster debate showing on U.S.-Taiwan relations. Trump’s intervention in this race is seen by critics as another attempt to install loyalists over qualified leaders, perpetuating a cycle of nepotism and cronyism.
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, the gubernatorial runoff features former Budget Secretary Mike Mazzei, another Trump endorsee dubbed a “MAGA Warrior,” against Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Despite Trump’s endorsement in May, Mazzei is locked in a statistical tie with Drummond, highlighting growing resistance to Trump’s divisive brand within his own party. This follows recent humiliating losses for Trump-backed candidates in Wyoming and Minnesota, signaling a possible shift away from his toxic influence.
Both Republican nominees are expected to coast through the November general elections, a testament to the GOP’s continued rightward drift as the midterm primary season draws to a close.