Trump’s Influence Shines in Primary Wins Across Four States

Donald Trump’s Republican picks for the 2024 election fared well in primary votes across four states on Tuesday, highlighting the former president’s continued influence over the GOP as he seeks reelection in November, According to Newsweek

As of 11:55 p.m. EST Tuesday, nearly all of Trump’s endorsements for Senate, House, and gubernatorial races were projected to win in South Carolina, North Dakota, and Maine. Primary races were also held in Nevada, though none had been called by the time of publication.

These primary victories come less than five months before the general election and shortly after Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump is scheduled for sentencing on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention, where he is the presumptive GOP candidate.

South Carolina

Representative Nancy Mace won the Republican nomination for South Carolina’s 1st District, defeating a GOP candidate backed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Mace, once a vocal critic of Trump, celebrated her win with a nod to the former president’s influence. told by BBC

“President Trump, South Carolina will have your back in November,” Mace declared during her celebration speech.

In South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, Trump-endorsed Congressman William Timmons triumphed over state Representative Adam Morgan, who had the backing of several congressional conservatives.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, Congresswoman Kelly Armstrong, Trump’s pick for the gubernatorial race, defeated Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller for the GOP nomination. Additionally, Julie Fedorchak, North Dakota’s public service commissioner, secured the Republican nomination for the state’s lone House seat.

Senator Kevin Cramer, another Trump supporter, won his Republican primary uncontested and will face Democrat Katrina Christiansen in November. as reported by Reuters

Maine

Former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault, endorsed by Trump, won the GOP nomination for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, beating state Representative Michael Soboleski. Theriault will challenge Democrat incumbent Congressman Jared Golden in November.

Nevada

GOP Senate candidate Sam Brown, endorsed by Trump over the weekend, defeated two other Republicans for a chance to challenge Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen in November. The race for Nevada’s 4th Congressional District had not yet been called, but Trump-endorsed John Lee was vying for the Republican nomination against retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel David Flippo.