American politician and diplomat, former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador
The race for the Texas Senate seat is tightening. Paxton has secured the GOP nomination and is pursuing funding from Trump's MAGA network to fend off a strong Democratic challenger backed by polls and internal data. Other races show Trump’s endorsements affecting outcomes and the broader GOP landscape as Republicans weigh fundraising and support strategies.
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.
In New Hampshire, Democrats have channeled support behind Rep. Chris Pappas, while Republicans rally behind former Sen. John Sununu. The contest for the state’s Senate seat is part of a broader national battle for control of Congress, with both parties aiming to influence the Senate in November. Primary results and endorsements have shaped the field, as Sununu and Pappas gain or lose ground amid ongoing scrutiny of national politics.
Democrats have surged in unusual Senate and governor races in red states, leveraging outsider candidates to challenge incumbents. Texas, Kansas and South Carolina show tossups in closely watched races, while independents and unconventional figures reshape the field. The broader map hints at a potential expansion of the political playing field, though outcomes remain uncertain.
A campaign ad featuring Democratic candidate Amy Acton’s estranged mother has provoked bipartisan outrage and prompted Ramaswamy to halt its run. Republican polling reported by Axios has shown Acton opening an eight-point lead after the ad circulated; national Republicans and Ohio officials have criticised the spot for exploiting Acton’s traumatic childhood.