All articles tagged with #republican
In a closely watched Butler County special election for Pennsylvania’s 12th state House District, Democrat Brandon Dukes led Republican Scott Timko by 88 votes (about 0.5%) with all precincts reporting, in a district that Trump carried by 18 points. The race will determine whether Republicans hold the House with a slim majority and sets up a rematch in November as both candidates vie for a full two-year term.
Republican Darline Graham has been chosen to serve a six-year term in South Carolina’s Senate, filling the seat left by her late brother; Trump reportedly endorsed or expressed support for her appointment in an Oval Office meeting, but within SC there is little public record of her policy positions, placing her under national scrutiny as she steps into a high-profile role.
The Independent reports that Trump’s advisers tried to steer him away from a primetime address on 2020 election grievances, with some GOP operatives saying voters care more about the economy; after internal debate, Trump pressed ahead, while a pitch was made to have White House press secretary Leavitt brief reporters instead. The speech referenced declassified material and election-security efforts, drew mixed reactions inside the party, and was criticized by some as a stalling tactic even as White House officials hailed it as a success.
Rep. Kevin Hern won Oklahoma’s Republican Senate primary, paving the way to succeed Markwayne Mullin in November. His victory—backed by former President Trump’s endorsement in a solidly red state—puts him as the heavy favorite to capture Mullin’s open seat after Mullin resigned to join the Cabinet.
Health-care executive Rick Jackson spent over $100 million of his own wealth to win Georgia's GOP gubernatorial runoff, defeating Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and showing that massive self-funding can override endorsements; despite Kemp's support for Jones, Jackson drew help from figures like Chris Carr, Ted Cruz, and Rick Scott and will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms (with Sen. Jon Ossoff) in November.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace finished last in the South Carolina governor race after a GOP candidate debate, with the remaining contenders advancing as the campaign continues.
Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow says she identifies as an independent, centrist who doesn’t align with either major party and aims to weave together different viewpoints to escape political binaries, a stance that drew mixed online reactions and echoes her bipartisan past (including a 2014 Obama fundraiser).
A dark-horse Republican candidate in California’s 6th Congressional District poses a serious challenge to Democrats’ effort to redraw the U.S. House map, potentially reshaping California’s redistricting strategy ahead of the 2026 primary.
Billionaire Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones advance to a June runoff for Georgia governor after a brutal primary powered by nearly $100 million in ads; both back tax cuts and Trump-aligned policies, while the Democratic race is led by Keisha Lance Bottoms, setting up a high-stakes general election.
Missouri Republican Rep. Sam Graves, longtime chair of the House Transportation Committee, said he will not seek reelection in the 6th District GOP primary and plans to pivot to a new career after a 34-year political career. His departure could open a more competitive race in a district reshaped by recent maps, with several Republicans already weighing bids to succeed him.
Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu has announced his retirement, becoming the second-highest Republican in the state to step down, a development that could reshape GOP leadership in a battleground legislature ahead of upcoming elections.
Darren Bailey won the Illinois GOP gubernatorial primary with just under 54% of the vote, earning a rematch against incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker in November. Bailey, a downstate farmer who lost to Pritzker in 2022, ran a quieter campaign this time, while Pritzker portraying him as aligned with Trump and attacking his policies. The primary included rivals Ted Dabrowski, James Mendrick and Rick Heidner, and Bailey’s personal tragedy earlier this year helped shape his campaign narrative.
A BuzzFeed Community post crowdsources thoughts on fashion and beauty looks that people say “scream I’m a Republican,” listing goatee with wrap-around Oakleys, MAGA-era outfits, Christian tees, heavy makeup and veneers, cowboy/country aesthetics, oversized crosses, and other stereotypes—presented in a humorous, opinionated roundup that invites readers to weigh in.
Former Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Dudley announced a second bid to become Oregon governor as a Republican, arguing for less divisiveness and a focus on public safety, affordability and education. Dudley, who came within two points of defeating Gov. John Kitzhaber in 2010, will face a GOP primary that includes state Sen. Christine Drazan. In a state where Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek's approval has hovered under 50% and Democrats hold a registration edge, the race is uphill for Republicans, even as donors like Nike co-founder Phil Knight have backed GOP efforts in Oregon.
Former NBA star and 2010 GOP gubernatorial nominee Chris Dudley announces a 2026 bid for Oregon governor, entering a crowded Republican primary and pledging to boost education, affordability, and public safety.