Candidates backed by Donald Trump emerged victorious on Tuesday in two pivotal Republican runoffs held in South Carolina and Oklahoma. This marks another boost for the former president's sway over the Republican Party as the 2026 midterm election cycle unfolds.
In South Carolina, Darline Graham Nordone triumphed over Representative Ralph Norman in the special primary runoff for the Senate seat, securing 52.5% of the votes — 193,396 — against Norman's 47.5% — 175,327.
Graham Nordone is the younger sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11 at the age of 71 due to an aortic dissection, leaving his seat vacant.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed her two days later to temporarily fill the position, and on July 14, she was sworn in as the first woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
Though she had no prior experience in elected office, Graham Nordone decided to run for the seat permanently, with Trump's explicit endorsement, which proved influential. In the first round on August 11, she led with 32.7% of the votes compared to Norman's 24.6%.
In Oklahoma, the race was far more competitive. State Senator Mike Mazzei narrowly defeated State Attorney General Gentner Drummond in the Republican primary runoff for governor by a slim margin of just 2,047 votes: 50.28% to 49.72%, according to final results.
Mazzei also had Trump's endorsement, making this day a double win for the former president at a pivotal moment in the primary season.
Tuesday's victories come amid a context where Trump's endorsement record in 2026 has been robust, though not flawless. According to data from Ballotpedia, Trump-endorsed candidates had won 220 out of 227 primaries by July 10, boasting a success rate of 97%.
However, by mid-August, there were already ten losses on record, including gubernatorial defeats in Iowa and Wyoming, adding symbolic pressure to Tuesday's outcomes.
In Florida, the primary cycle has been intense as well. Byron Donalds clinched the Republican primary in the state and will vie for the governorship, another contest where Trump's backing was crucial.
Both Tuesday's winners — Graham Nordone in South Carolina and Mazzei in Oklahoma — will face their Democratic opponents in the general elections on November 3, 2026, a crucial date when the balance of power in Congress and several state executives will be determined.
Impact of Trump's Endorsements in the 2026 Elections
How significant is Trump's influence on the Republican Party in the 2026 elections?
Trump's influence is substantial, evident in his endorsement success rate of 97% by July 2026, although some losses have occurred, adding pressure to certain races.
Who won the South Carolina Senate primary runoff?
Darline Graham Nordone won the South Carolina Senate primary runoff against Ralph Norman with 52.5% of the vote.
What was the outcome of the Oklahoma gubernatorial primary runoff?
Mike Mazzei narrowly defeated Gentner Drummond in the Oklahoma gubernatorial primary runoff with 50.28% of the vote.
What challenges do Trump-endorsed candidates face ahead of the general elections?
Trump-endorsed candidates will face their Democratic opponents in the general elections on November 3, 2026, which will be pivotal for determining political control in Congress and state governments.