Mixed Results for Trump-Backed Candidates in Primaries

Trump-backed candidates experienced a mix of wins and losses in recent primary elections across several states.

According to multiple reports, billionaire Rick Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, in Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial runoff. Jackson spent over $100 million of his own money on his campaign.

In a significant victory for the former president's influence, Mike Collins won the Republican Senate runoff in Georgia with an 11th-hour endorsement from Trump. Collins will face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in what is expected to be one of the most competitive midterm campaigns in the country. Meanwhile, in Alabama, Rep. Barry Moore comfortably defeated Jared Hudson to secure the Republican Senate nomination.

The primaries also saw other key races and developments. In Oklahoma, Trump’s endorsement helped former state Senator Mike Mazzei advance to a runoff for governor. The state also rejected State Question 832, which proposed raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour.

In California, Democratic state lawmaker Aisha Wahab advanced in the special election to replace Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned amid sexual assault allegations. Wahab will face Melissa Hernandez in a runoff on August 18 to fill the remainder of Swalwell’s term through January.

Jackson's campaign spent more than $100 million, largely out of his own pocket, to defeat Trump-endorsed Burt Jones in the Republican runoff for Georgia governor. This was another rare example of the president's choice falling short in a primary battle. Jackson will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, in November to lead one of the nation's preeminent battleground states.

In Alabama, Trump successfully backed U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, a three-term congressman who has promised to be 'a warrior for President Trump's 'America First' agenda' if elected to the Senate. Moore defeated former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, who presented himself as a Washington outsider and tried to harness the anti-establishment fervor that propelled Trump to power.

In South Carolina, Donald Trump made an unprecedented dual endorsement in the Republican gubernatorial runoff, supporting both Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. This move was seen as a strategy to hedge his bets in the race to succeed term-limited Governor Henry McMaster. Both candidates have advanced to the June 23 runoff after neither secured a majority in the primary election.

The South Carolina gubernatorial runoff has become highly contentious, with both candidates launching personal attacks and accusing each other of misrepresenting their records. Wilson emphasizes his experience as attorney general and combat veteran, while Evette positions herself as an outsider and Trump-endorsed businesswoman. The winner will face Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson in the general election.