Polls closed Tuesday evening in South Carolina and Vermont, marking a critical night of primaries. The focus is on the battle for political positions after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s departure and evaluating President Donald Trump’s influence through his endorsements.
In South Carolina, Trump backs Sen. Darline Graham, sister of the late senator, in a heavily contested Republican Senate primary following Graham’s unexpected death. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to complete her brother’s term. Among her competitors are Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry and former Gov. Mark Sanford.
Meanwhile, in the Midwest, Wisconsin and Minnesota stand as key battlegrounds where the left-wing and center-left establishment vie for control of the Democratic Party’s trajectory. After the narrow win of far-left candidate Abdul El-Sayed over more moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, attention shifts to nomination contests in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
At stake in Minnesota is a top-tier Senate race that could help Democrats regain control of the chamber from Republicans, and a gubernatorial race in Wisconsin where Republicans aim to seize the governor’s office.
Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Francesca Hong, is a Democratic Socialists of America member and leads the polls. Her campaign, shaken by the withdrawal of two major contenders and the re-entry of another candidate, promises change and targets public concerns, including guaranteed paid leave and increased minimum wage.
“Michigan proved that working people are ready for something different, and Wisconsin is next,”
Hong stated after El-Sayed’s victory.
Hong is contending against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Trump-backed candidate. Tiffany emphasizes Wisconsin as the barrier against socialism, presenting a counterpoint to Hong’s progressive agenda.
In Minnesota, the Democratic Party’s inner contest features Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, backed by progressives like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, against moderate Rep. Angie Craig. The seat vacated by retiring Democrat Tina Smith could flip to the Republican side, presenting an opportunity in a traditionally Democratic state.
Political activist Michele Tafoya leads the GOP’s Senate candidacy. The race also includes former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, 2024 Senate nominee Royce White, and retired Navy officer Tom Weiler.
The Democratic challenges extend to other states. In Connecticut, the race is between incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont and challenger Rep. Josh Elliott from the left. Meanwhile, Vermont features a Democratic contest between Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo facing Republican Governor Phil Scott.
Alabama holds special primary elections in four congressional districts due to the Supreme Court decision favoring a GOP-drawn map over a court-ordered one providing a second Black-majority seat.