American politician, U.S. representative for Tennessee’s 5th District since 2023
Amir Hassan, backed by Donald Trump, trails by more than 17 points in Michigan’s 8th congressional district primary as of Wednesday morning. With roughly 99% of votes counted, Thomas J. Smith is likely to win; Smith had dropped out but remains on the ballot. Smith endorsed Al Lemmo, who sits at around 16%. This loss joins other Trump-backed campaigns that have struggled.
AP reports Alabama’s primaries align with newly drawn maps after a Supreme Court decision forced redistricting. Republican and Democratic candidates compete in multiple districts, with Democrats defending incumbents while Republicans seek seats in a reconfigured landscape.
South Carolina has held a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and has produced a runoff. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced; Rep. Russell Fry finished a close third. The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly decide the GOP nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Trump has touted a high success rate for endorsements across 2018-2026, while opponents question the reliability and motives behind those wins as candidates in Alabama, Georgia and beyond move through primaries. The pieces highlight intra-party tensions and the evolving dynamics of Trump’s influence.
President Donald Trump has campaigned in Myrtle Beach to back Darline Graham in South Carolina’s special Republican primary, pressing his influence after the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump has publicly endorsed Darline, held a tele‑rally and framed her as a defender of his priorities as voters prepare to choose a nominee for November’s special election.
In a Republican runoff, Darline Graham has secured a narrow victory in South Carolina with about 52.5% of the vote to Ralph Norman’s 47.6%, aided by a late endorsement from Donald Trump. Graham had faced scrutiny after a debate misstep on national security issues, and Trump’s intervention follows a string of endorsements that have fluctuated in effectiveness.
Voters show broad support for reforms to shore up Social Security as fund depletion looms in 2032; surveys indicate rising awareness and willingness to accept tax hikes or benefit adjustments, with Republican and Democratic voters largely aligned.