Jewish Republicans were encouraged to give Vice President JD Vance a “warm welcome” ahead of his speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition by former Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Dermer, who served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2021 and later as the country’s minister of strategic affairs, spoke to the gathering just before Vance addressed the conference Monday night. He praised Vance’s support for Israel and his role during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in 2025, telling attendees he was grateful for the vice president’s actions at a critical moment.
Dermer’s remarks came as Vance has faced criticism from some in the pro-Israel community over his close relationship with conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson, who has repeatedly platformed numerous antisemites. But Dermer offered the audience a more personal account of his relationship with Vance, recalling that he first met the future vice president when Vance was running for Senate in Ohio.
“I first met the vice president when he was running for Senate,” Dermer said. “I was out of office, and he was running for Senate in Ohio. And somebody suggested, ‘Hey, this person, you know, is going to run. You should really go meet him.’”
Dermer said he and Vance subsequently spent roughly two hours together over lunch in Jerusalem.
“And he was—he’s definitely one of the smartest people that I had met in the Senate,” Dermer said, adding with a joke, “You could say that’s a low bar, but he’s super smart.”
More importantly, Dermer said Vance was focused from the beginning on understanding the strategic rationale behind the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Dermer then turned to Vance’s role during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, describing the conflict as one of the most significant military successes in Israel’s history.
“And I want to tell this audience something,” Dermer said. “That 12-day war that we did last June, I was out of government when this—this recent joint operation started.”
Dermer said the conflict represented “the greatest and most spectacular military success that Israel has ever had” since the Six-Day War.
He specifically credited Vance with playing a critical role in the operation, particularly during its opening hours, when maintaining an element of surprise was essential.
“The Vice President of the United States, Vice President Vance, played a critical role in that 12-day war, and particularly the first day, where that element of surprise was so critical to our success,” Dermer said.
“And I will be forever grateful for the role that he played at that critical moment,” he continued. “It kept Israel safe, and I commend you for inviting him here tonight.”
Vance received a warm reception when he took the stage Monday night for a conversation with RJC National Chairman and former Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman. The discussion was held off the record and closed to the press, but The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/listen-jd-vances-secret-interview-in-front-of-republican-jews">obtained a full recording</a>.
During the conversation, Coleman directly raised the issue of controversial podcasters, naming Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Joe Rogan and Nick Fuentes, and asked Vance how he determines when to engage with platforms that have given a voice to people accused of holding antisemitic views.
Vance defended his willingness to appear on influential podcasts, arguing that Republicans need to reach voters wherever they are rather than shun controversial figures.
“I do not think that Joe Rogan and Nick Fuentes are the same,” Vance said, drawing a distinction between the two based on both their ideas and their reach.
Vance said he believes Republicans should engage with people like Rogan even when they disagree with things the podcaster has said.
“I think it’s a mistake to sort of say we’re going to write Joe Rogan off because he said something that we don’t like,” Vance said. “I think the best approach is to actually go in there, and talk to him, and make the arguments as best as you can.”
Vance pointed to Rogan’s reach among persuadable voters as evidence that Republicans cannot afford to ignore influential podcasters. He said Republicans had studied podcast audiences in connection with the midterm elections and found that Rogan’s audience included a substantially larger percentage of persuadable voters than those of other major podcasters.
“With Rogan, it’s something like 35 to 40%,” Vance said.
“And so I think that there, one, I do not think that Joe Rogan and Nick Fuentes are the same, just substantively, but as a political matter, I think that we have got to be willing to go everywhere and bring our message anywhere and to any person,” he said.
Vance acknowledged that his approach would mean appearing in environments where hosts or audiences may hold views with which he strongly disagrees.
“You got to meet people where they are and make the arguments as best as you can,” he said. “And that is I think ultimately how you win the political debate. It’s not by shunning people.”
He said there were nevertheless limits to whom he would engage, citing people who had attacked his wife or praised Adolf Hitler.
“But outside of some pretty bright lines, I try to talk to as many people as I can,” Vance said.
Vance did not directly condemn Carlson during the exchange.
The vice president has also faced criticism from prominent Jewish and pro-Israel figures over his own comments about Israel, including remarks suggesting that some Israeli officials have sought to influence American public opinion to prolong the war. 
During an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Vance accused some Israeli officials of trying to influence American public opinion in order to prolong the war.
“There are some people within their system that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely,” Vance said.

Vice President Vance Discusses Administration’s Fight Against Fraud In Milwaukee

Top Netanyahu Ally Makes The Case For JD Vance To Jewish Republicans

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Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters is warning that if the Democratic Party captures Congress this November, it will hand the keys of power directly to radical antisemites who pose a direct threat to the American Jewish community.
In an address to the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership summit in Las Vegas on Monday, Gruters plans to sound the alarm on what he describes as a full-scale takeover of the Democratic establishment by far-Left zealots. The New York Post <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/08/30/us-news/dem-majority-in-congress-will-put-antisemites-in-power-says-rnc-chair">published</a> excerpts from the planned remarks in which he warns that a Democratic majority would empower the most extreme elements of the opposition.
&#8220;The people in charge would not be the moderate Democrats who have occasionally pushed back on antisemitism — it would be the squad. It would be the DSA [Democratic Socialists of America],&#8221; Gruters is set to declare. &#8220;It would be the people who looked at October 7 and stood with Hamas.&#8221;
Gruters will posit that hostility toward Israel and Jew-hatred have been permanently made part of the Democratic brand.
&#8220;Radical extremists took over the party — and the Democrat leaders let them,&#8221; he warns in the prepared remarks, arguing the shift didn&#8217;t happen by accident.
To back up his warnings, Gruters is set to point directly to the DSA, which has exploded in its clout in the Democratic Party. Fresh off major electoral wins, including the election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the DSA has transformed from a fringe faction into a major electoral machine.
Mamdani failed to swiftly condemn Hamas following the brutal October 7 terrorist attacks that slaughtered 1,200 people. On his very first day in office, he stripped away former Mayor Eric Adams’ executive order aimed at fighting antisemitism and dismantled safeguards against anti-Israel procurement practices. Mamdani has also repeatedly faced criticism for vetoing police protection perimeters around schools during a historic spike in anti-Jewish hate crimes, and recently drew outrage from over 700 Jewish clergy members after he labeled AIPAC &#8220;monsters&#8221; who move &#8220;dark money.&#8221;
Gruters will also call out high-profile Democratic figures including Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). Tlaib was formally censured by the House of Representatives after doubling down on the controversial &#8220;from the river to the sea&#8221; slogan and pushing false claims about Israeli military strikes. Omar has <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/rep-ilhan-omar-defends-2012-tweet-accusing-israel-of-hypnotizing-the-world/">espoused</a> <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/03/ilhan-omars-dual-loyalty-charge-was-anti-semitic/584314/">tropes</a> regarding Jewish influence and money. Meanwhile, Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed recently <a href="https://www.wlns.com/news/politics/el-sayed-apologizes-synagogue-attack/">scrambled</a> to apologize after brush-off comments describing an attack on a synagogue preschool as merely an incident in which &#8220;hurt people hurt people.&#8221;
Famed Jewish playwright David Mamet has ripped the Democratic party, <a href="https://unherd.com/2023/10/how-the-democrats-betrayed-the-jews/?edition=us">urging</a> Jewish voters to abandon the Democrats and calling out the &#8220;sick thrill of antisemitism&#8221; taking root on the Left.
Even official definitions underscore the rift. While the Biden administration adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, which includes demonizing Israel or applying double standards, the DSA&#8217;s national platform has moved in the opposite direction. At its <a href="https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/democratic-socialists-america-dsa">national convention</a>, the DSA made anti-Zionism a mandatory litmus test, requiring candidates to back the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement and threatening expulsion for members who affirm Israel&#8217;s right to defend itself. Across the nation, DSA leadership, youth wings, and local chapters have openly praised &#8220;decolonization&#8221; and &#8220;resistance&#8221; in the wake of terrorist atrocities.
Gruters is set to note that the GOP is putting up strong candidates to fight for Jewish communities, highlighting competitive races in New York like Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in the Hudson Valley and Michael LiPetri on Long Island.
&#8220;These are not isolated incidents. They are the pattern,&#8221; Gruters will warn. &#8220;The radical Left has officially taken over the Democrat Party.&#8221;

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is pushing back on a report that he has been privately discussing a potential 2028 presidential run, calling the claim “100% false” and accusing NBC News of ignoring his denial.
“100% false. We told NBC that, but they just lie w/ anonymous ‘sources,’” Hegseth wrote on X Friday. The response came hours after <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2028-election/pete-hegseth-talking-possible-run-president-2028-sources-say-rcna594891">NBC News</a> reported that Hegseth had discussed the possibility of running for president with his wife, friends and colleagues in conversations over the past several months.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell chimed in as well, telling <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/pete-hegseth-denies-report-hes-considering-a-2028-run-what-polls-show-12383032">Newsweek</a>, “Secretary Hegseth is not running for President, and his main priority is leading the War Department. All other speculation is foolish.” The NBC report nevertheless fueled speculation about Hegseth’s political future, particularly after he <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pete-hegseth-iowa-campaign-zach-nunn/">traveled to Iowa</a> earlier this month to campaign for Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA).
Hegseth attended the Iowa State Fair in what the Pentagon described as a personal-capacity trip to support Nunn, who is seeking reelection. The appearance drew attention because Iowa traditionally plays a prominent role in the Republican presidential nominating process. NBC&#8217;s Courtney Kube described the fair as &#8220;a place where candidates go and showcase themselves in advance of a big run,&#8221; and Hegseth was received &#8220;like a rock star&#8221; at both the Iowa and Kentucky events.
The Iowa appearance was Hegseth’s second campaign-related trip this year. He previously traveled to Kentucky in May to campaign for Ed Gallrein, the Trump-endorsed primary challenger who went on to defeat Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
Those appearances, combined with Hegseth’s national profile as a former Fox News host and his position as one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent Cabinet officials, have made him a natural subject of 2028 speculation. But Hegseth is now unequivocally denying that he is preparing to seek the White House. The speculation comes as Republicans increasingly look toward the post-Trump era, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio among the most frequently discussed potential candidates.
Neither Vance nor Rubio has formally launched a 2028 presidential campaign. Vance has said he will make decisions about his political future after the 2026 midterm elections, while Rubio has indicated that he would support Vance if the vice president seeks the Republican nomination.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), has also <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-weighs-in-on-potential-ted-cruz-presidential-run">publicly acknowledged</a> interest in a future presidential campaign, saying “It’s no secret that I want to be president.” Trump later responded fairly positively to the idea, “Yeah, I would say that he’s very talented. He’s a very good friend of mine. I think he might do that. Yeah, he’s a very talented — he’s a talented guy.”
Before joining Fox News, Hegseth briefly sought the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota in 2012 before withdrawing from the race. For now, however, Hegseth says his ambitions are focused elsewhere, “My only job: Make @DeptofWar Great Again.”

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President Trump on Thursday praised Texas Sen. Ted Cruz as a “talented guy” while teasing the possibility of the Republican launching another bid for the White House in 2028.
The latest twist in the 2028 GOP presidential sweepstakes came when The Daily Caller’s Reagan Reese pressed Trump directly about the race to lead his MAGA movement forward.
“Ted Cruz keeps teasing a 2028 presidential run. You ran against him for president. Do you think he could be president? What’s your reaction to that?” she asked.
“Yeah, I would say that he&#8217;s very talented. He&#8217;s a very good friend of mine. I think he might do that. Yeah, he&#8217;s a very talented — he&#8217;s a talented guy,” Trump <a href="https://x.com/cspan/status/2093034068711526786?s=20">said</a>. 
Another presidential bid appears almost inevitable for the Texas Republican, who has made no secret of his national political ambitions.
“It’s no secret that I want to be president,” Cruz said during an interview on Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1laHkwvrB0&amp;list=PLOv-623vWdc0">podcast</a>. “Time will tell.”
The 55-year-old appeared to agree with Patrick’s assertion that the GOP nomination will not be a coronation for Vice President Vance, predicting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott could all throw their hats into the ring.
“I will say, this is a bug that history has proved is rarely ended,” the senator <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1laHkwvrB0&amp;list=PLOv-623vWdc0">said</a> of his White House ambitions. “It is a permanent and often fatal bug.”
While Trump stopped short of an endorsement, it’s not the first time he’s left the door open for Cruz to climb the political ladder. For years, Trump has repeatedly floated Cruz as a potential Supreme Court nominee. 
Once a fierce critic and primary rival, Trump has called the conservative “an amazing guy” who is “so good and so talented,” <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-floats-idea-for-his-next-supreme-court-appointment-as-rumors-swirl-about-possible-retirements">The Daily Wire previously reported. </a>
“I’m thinking about putting him in the Supreme Court,” Trump said in February. “I’m thinking because it’s very hard, getting these nominations through is tough.”
The president added that Cruz would receive “100%” of the Democratic and Republican vote, arguing that Cruz’s foes would “want to get him out of [the Senate]. He is such a pain in the ass.”
At the time, Cruz shot down the idea of serving on the nation&#8217;s highest court. 
“My answer’s not just no, it’s hell no,” he <a href="https://www.fox26houston.com/news/supreme-court-texas-ted-cruz-donald-trump">said earlier this year</a>. “It is interesting in the first Trump term, the president talked to me about all three Supreme Court vacancies, and we had very serious conversations, and I told him no all three times.”
In his podcast interview with Patrick, Cruz opened up about why he ultimately rebuffed Trump&#8217;s push to potentially consider him to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court.
“But I said no and came to a real peace with it because I believe that I can make a much bigger difference in the Senate than I would on the court,” he said. “That there are lots of good principled constitutionalists who would do that job and I care deeply about [them] being there. In the Senate, how many people actually stand up and lead?”
Not everyone, however, is convinced Cruz can win over the hearts and minds of the MAGA faithful. Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz bluntly questioned whether the Texas senator has any path to the White House in 2028.
&#8220;It’s going to be very hard for you to become President when voters don’t like you. How do you plan to make them like you? You aren’t particularly charming, your voice is a bit annoying, you’re a career politician with limited accomplishments, and you aren’t exactly &#8216;America First,&#8217;” Bruesewitz <a href="https://x.com/alexbruesewitz/status/2092982498032767347?s=20">said</a> on X. 
&#8220;I’ve also been told your operation has been paying influencers to undermine people inside the Trump admin, which isn’t cool, bro.&#8221;

President Trump Speaks At Port Of Corpus Christi In Texas

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Another slate of Democratic candidates running in the midterm elections has rejected former Vice President Kamala Harris&#8217; endorsement, underscoring the toxic brand her failed presidential campaign has left behind in key battleground states.
Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek on Wednesday flatly rejected the idea of Harris campaigning for him.
A <a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2026/iowa-us-senate-candidate-josh-turek-d-ia-speaks-to-reporters-in-cedar-rapids/684486">reporter pressed</a> the Senate hopeful at a Cedar Rapids event about whether he would welcome the former vice president — and one of the Democratic Party’s top leaders — onto the campaign trail.
“No,” the state representative firmly said. 
Turek, a state representative and two-time Paralympic gold medalist, is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hegseths-iowa-trip-raises-early-questions-about-2028">challenging</a> Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), the Republican nominee for the open Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst. Polls show a competitive race in a state Trump won by double digits in 2024. 
Another Iowa Democrat, gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, also rejected the idea of embracing Harris on the stump and even shot down the idea of her running for president again in 2028.
“No thanks. Let’s move on,” Sand told <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2026/08/26/iowa-governor-rob-sand-state-fair-01049432">Politico</a>. “We need some new leadership.” He also brushed off the idea of seeking former President Biden’s support. “No. Can he even do that right now?” Sand asked.
Sand, Iowa’s current state auditor and the most recent Democrat elected to statewide office, is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/razor-thin-governor-primary-snaps-trump-endorsement-streak">running against</a> Iowa farmer and businessman Zach Lahn, who narrowly defeated Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra to win the Republican nomination for governor in June.
The strategy of sidelining national Democrats is not limited to Iowa, as the Democratic Party’s brand remains deeply unpopular with voters nationwide.
Former Rep. Mary Peltola’s (D-AK) Senate campaign <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dem-senate-hopeful-runs-from-kamala-harris-support">made clear earlier this month</a> that it wants nothing to do with Harris’s message of support.
Harris’s Fight for the People PAC sent an email urging supporters to “stand behind Mary,” The New York Times reported. The PAC called the Alaska contest a “must-win race” for Democrats seeking to retake the Senate, declaring, “If there’s anyone who can flip Alaska and secure the Senate majority for Democrats — it’s Mary.”
The message directed donors to a page asking them to split their contributions between Peltola’s campaign and Harris’s political committee. Peltola’s team quickly pushed back, saying the campaign had not authorized the email and had no knowledge of it before it was sent.
“Mary isn’t seeking endorsements from anyone from the Lower 48 — her focus is and always will be Alaska,” the statement read, citing support she has received from several Alaska labor groups.
Peltola, a former congresswoman, is running against incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK). In a state Trump won by 13 points, early polling shows a tight race with Peltola holding a two-point advantage, according to <a href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/senate/general/2026/alaska/peltola-vs-sullivan">RealClearPolitics.</a> <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dan-sullivan-endorses-dan-sullivan-against-dan-sullivan-in-key-senate-race?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Dan+Sullivan+Endorses+Dan+Sullivan+Against+Dan+Sullivan+In+Key+Senate+Race">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported how the presence of two Dan Sullivans is confusing voters and complicating a race that could determine control of the Senate.
Republicans moved fast to connect the two. Nick Puglia, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/razor-thin-governor-primary-snaps-trump-endorsement-streak">said</a> Peltola had worked “hand in hand with Kamala Harris to put Alaska last, so it’s no surprise that Harris is backing Peltola.”

Democratic Presidential Candidate Sen. Kamala Harris Attends Campaign Events In Las Vegas

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In a U.S. Senate race that could determine control of the chamber, Alaskans now face an unusual choice: Dan Sullivan or Dan Sullivan. And a third political heavyweight named Dan Sullivan has drawn a line in the sand, weighing in on which Sullivan he backs heading into November.
Earlier this week, former Anchorage Mayor Dan A. Sullivan endorsed Sen. Dan S. Sullivan (R-AK) for re-election this fall over retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan and former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola. 
“As the OG Dan Sullivan, I urge Alaskans to vote for Sen. Daniel S. Sullivan. He’s been great for Alaska,” the former mayor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dan.sullivan.3910/posts/pfbid02rq5wKtwmJHp3b1fNCQmQ43AspBkDZqcCTDV5KneoBean9q35RKX7Ao5CmeEF9mXUl">posted on his Facebook page.</a>
The endorsement, which went viral on social media, follows a closely watched legal fight over Dan J. Sullivan’s Senate bid. The former elementary school teacher, who has no prior political experience, successfully qualified for the primary ballot, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dem-senate-hopeful-runs-from-kamala-harris-support">The Daily Wire previously reported.</a>
Republicans, including the incumbent senator, have accused Dan J. Sullivan of working with Democrats and the Peltola campaign to confuse voters and boost Peltola&#8217;s chances of defeating Sen. Sullivan.
Dan J. Sullivan, Peltola&#8217;s campaign, and the Alaska Democratic Party have denied the allegation.
Sen. Sullivan has called his namesake&#8217;s candidacy a &#8220;dirty political trick coordinated by Democrats and the campaign&#8221; of Peltola and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/06/02/alaska-senate-dan-sullivan-name-ballot-peltola/6559e452-5ee5-11f1-9c46-d6211372eede_story.html">accused</a> him of &#8220;purposely trying to trick my constituents to rig the election for Peltola.&#8221;
Alaska election officials initially removed Dan J. Sullivan from the ballot, but he ultimately prevailed at the state’s highest court and was allowed to run.
Republicans&#8217; concerns intensified after Dan J. Sullivan placed third in the nonpartisan primary and secured a spot on the November ballot alongside Sen. Sullivan and Peltola. 
The national GOP, however, got some good news in the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/08/18/us/elections/results-alaska-us-senate-primary.html">latest vote dump</a> from the August 18 election. As of Wednesday, Democratic candidate David B. Leslie was leading another Republican by just 43 votes for the final spot on the November ballot. If the result holds, Leslie would advance and could potentially pull votes away from Peltola.
Alaska uses ranked-choice voting in the general election. Voters rank candidates by preference, and if no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest-performing candidate is eliminated and those ballots are redistributed according to voters&#8217; subsequent choices.
Peltola also made waves earlier this month when she distanced herself from support offered by former Vice President Kamala Harris’ political action committee.  
Harris’s Fight for the People PAC sent an email urging supporters to “stand behind Mary,” <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dem-senate-hopeful-runs-from-kamala-harris-support">The Daily Wire reported.</a> It called the Alaska contest a “must-win race” for Democrats hoping to retake the Senate and declared, “If there’s anyone who can flip Alaska and secure the Senate majority for Democrats — it’s Mary.”
Peltola&#8217;s team responded almost immediately, insisting it had not approved the email and had no knowledge of it before it went out.
“Mary isn’t seeking endorsements from anyone from the Lower 48 — her focus is and always will be Alaska,” the statement read. 
<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488531">The Cook Political Report</a> ranks the race as a toss-up.

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Dan Sullivan Endorses Dan Sullivan Against Dan Sullivan In Key Senate Race

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Trump-endorsed Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) won Tuesday’s Republican runoff and will advance to the November general election, overcoming concerns about the political newcomer&#8217;s lack of experience as she seeks a full term in her late brother&#8217;s Senate seat. 
Graham defeated Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), winning roughly 53.3% of the vote in the runoff to secure the Republican nomination for a full six-year term. Decision Desk HQ called the race at 8:38 pm EDT.
Graham’s runoff victory caps a dramatic rise for a candidate who had never previously held elected office before being appointed to the Senate last month. The race also presented another test of President Donald Trump&#8217;s influence over Republican voters in the Palmetto State. 
On Friday, Trump hit the stump for Graham in Myrtle Beach, making a personal pitch for why the MAGA base should turn out to support her.
&#8220;They say Trump does great when he&#8217;s on the ballot. But when he&#8217;s not on the ballot, his people don&#8217;t come, and they don’t vote for senators, congressmen, and other Republicans,” Trump <a href="https://x.com/theblaze/status/2090947947785601323?s=20">said</a>. “What I want you to do is pretend – please – like I&#8217;m on the ballot. Just come and vote. It&#8217;s so important.&#8221;
Norman’s strong showing revealed <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trumps-pick-to-replace-lindsey-graham-faces-growing-gop-revolt">significant hesitation</a> among Republican voters about handing Graham a full, six-year Senate term. Concerns about her inexperience were on full display during a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lindsey-grahams-sister-admits-in-debate-im-not-that-informed-on-national-security">viral debate-night gaffe</a> where she admitted she was “not that informed on national security.”
“I’m just going to be honest here, I’m not that informed on national security,” she <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYbTRsRnT6U">said</a> when asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the United States.
Former South Carolina Republican Gov. Nikki Haley criticized the remark.
“Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States’ national security. Graham admits she’s not,” Haley <a href="https://x.com/NikkiHaley/status/2089882589918019869?s=20">said</a>. “This is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate.”
Graham has previously outlined the differences between herself and her brother on foreign policy, saying in a July interview <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lindsey-grahams-sister-breaks-from-one-of-his-defining-priorities">that</a> she preferred to focus on issues that matter to “the average person.”
Norman, a conservative Republican who endorsed Haley in the 2024 presidential primary, had a long track record in South Carolina politics. He was first elected to Congress in a 2017 special election and previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
“There’s nothing enormously special about him. But, you know what you’re going to get. He is a solid conservative voter,” Ryan Girdusky, a conservative political consultant, previously told<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trumps-pick-to-replace-lindsey-graham-faces-growing-gop-revolt?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=29&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump%E2%80%99s+Pick+To+Replace+Lindsey+Graham+Faces+Growing+GOP+Revolt"> The Daily Wire</a>.
Norman secured endorsements from conservative Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Mike Lee (R-UT), as well as several Upstate sheriffs. Graham, meanwhile, sought to strengthen her conservative credentials while leaning heavily on Trump’s MAGA base.
In a<a href="https://x.com/AdImpact_Pol/status/2085743817810972817?s=20"> recent campaign ad</a>, Graham touted her pro-life beliefs and called for a ban on biological men competing in women’s sports as she made the case for carrying on her late brother’s legacy.
“Lindsey taught me public service isn’t about titles; it’s about helping people. President Trump asked me to run for the Senate to work with him on the issues we care about,” she said. “While I never wanted to be in this position. I’m ready to serve the people of South Carolina.”
Turnout in Tuesday’s runoff was abnormally low, with local officials <a href="https://abcnews4.com/news/local/early-voting-ends-in-south-carolina-gop-senate-runoff-as-officials-cite-voter-fatigue">citing voter fatigue </a>as a key factor behind the depressed participation. If elected in November, Graham would become the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from South Carolina.
Graham entered a crowded special Senate race on July 20 after Trump enthusiastically endorsed her, telling the head of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/im-in-lindsey-grahams-sister-makes-it-official">“RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”</a> South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham in July to serve out the remainder of her brother&#8217;s term.
Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly last month at his Capitol Hill home in what the medical examiner’s office believes was an aortic dissection. Before collapsing, Graham reportedly told a staffer he was experiencing chest pain. He had easily won his Republican primary in June before his death upended the race.
“I think that the president was really in a state of grief. He loved Lindsey Graham,” Girdusky said. “And he picked her, you know, very, very, very quickly.”
Graham will now advance to the November general election against Democrat <a href="https://drannieandrews.com/">Annie Andrews</a> in a seat that <a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488671">The Cook Political Report</a> rates as Solid Republican.

President Trump Holds Campaign Rally With Darline Graham In Myrtle Beach

Republican Voters Choose Replacement For Lindsey Graham In Hotly Contested Primary

Darline Graham

Darline Graham Nordone

Elections

Lindsey Graham

Ralph Norman

South Carolina

Trump

A Missouri judge gave Republicans <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/missouri-judge-hands-trump-gop-major-redistricting-win-ahead-midterm-elections">another redistricting victory</a> on Wednesday, ruling against a Democratic initiative challenging congressional maps drawn by the legislature and clearing the way for the GOP to secure another seat in the House of Representatives.
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green agreed with Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who refused to certify an opposition referendum petition.
&#8220;Initiative 2026-106 impermissibly constricts the people&#8217;s ability to reconsider laws and amendments passed by initiative or vetoed by referendum,&#8221; Green wrote. &#8220;Today&#8217;s voters have the right to consider amendments proposed by the General Assembly; today&#8217;s voters cannot strip that right from future voters to insulate the current majority&#8217;s policy preferences from future reconsideration. Holding otherwise would sanction a radical alteration of Missouri&#8217;s government that undermines the republican guarantee.&#8221;
The case now heads to appeal.
The decision delivers another blow to Democrats, preserving a redrawn map that was driven by President Donald Trump’s call for red states to secure conservative majorities. The revamped map stretches Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s (D-MO) 5th Congressional District deep into conservative rural territory, putting the veteran Democrat squarely in the crosshairs of GOP state Sen. Rick Brattin.
What happened in Missouri is another front in redistricting efforts across the country. With Republicans holding a razor-thin 218-212 majority in the House of Representatives, every single line drawn on a map could have major implications for the makeup of the House in years to come.
In Florida, Sunshine State Republicans scored a massive win when a circuit judge dismissed an attempt by Left-wing activist groups to block Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ map, keeping a layout in place that could net the GOP an extra four House seats. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked Virginia Democrats’ effort to push through a new map that threatened four Republican seats. Similar GOP gains have been implemented in Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Alabama.
Democrats swung back when California voters greenlit a map aiming to take five GOP seats, while Utah courts approved a map picking up one for the Democrats. In Maryland, Democratic Governor Wes Moore signed off on a November ballot initiative that, if approved by voters, would completely obliterate the state&#8217;s lone Republican-held district.
If every potential seat shift materializes, Republicans stand to net 10 additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Trump Signs Executive Order Concerning Childhood Vaccine Shots

Republicans Score Redistricting Victory In Court Ruling Ahead Of Midterms

Donald Trump

Missouri

Redistricting

U.S. House of Representatives

Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) won the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday, clearing the way for a general election showdown to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after a contentious primary that tested the future of Florida’s conservative movement.
With 90% of the vote counted, Donalds is cruising to victory with about 48%, well ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R-FL) at 25% and businessman James Fishback (R-FL) at 10%. <a href="https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/races/2026-08-18/florida-governor-republican-primary">Decision Desk HQ</a> called the race at 8 p.m. ET.
&#8220;I want to start by thanking God for all His blessings and protection over my family, and over my team,” Donalds said in a Tuesday night celebration speech. &#8220;Tonight, the primary is over. Tonight, we put aside our differences. Tonight, we are one united Republican Party.&#8221;
Donalds, like Trump, was born in New York City but has represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District — which covers Southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast — in Washington since 2021. Widely viewed as a rising star in the Republican Party, Donalds was even floated as a potential vice presidential pick during the 2024 election cycle, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/byron-donalds-on-vp-buzz-im-a-real-simple-dude-i-just-want-to-win">The Daily Wire</a> reported. 
“It’d be a great honor, but it’s his decision,” Donalds said in a Nashville interview with The Daily Wire at the time. “He’ll decide what he wants to do, and whatever his decision is, I’m going to support that. I just want to win,” he added. “I’m a real simple dude. I just want to win and be successful. That’s it.”
That attitude appeared to win over Trump, who jumped into the race in May, endorsing Donalds as a “highly respected” congressman who would help advance the “America First Agenda.”
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER,” Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116642799421262985">said</a> on Truth Social. “Byron Donalds will be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!” 
On the campaign trail, Donalds<a href="https://byrondonalds.com/issues/"> ran</a> on advancing President Trump’s agenda, cracking down on illegal immigration, ending “woke ideology” in schools, and calling for an<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR4qqMWegVs"> end</a> to Cuba’s communist regime in an effort to win over Florida’s large Latino electorate. 
The former Democrat has also spoken openly about his born-again Christian conversion, which he says happened in a<a href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/08/byron-donalds-cracker-barrel-parking-lot"> Cracker Barrel</a> parking lot. As a young man, Donalds faced charges at 18 for marijuana possession and again at 20 in connection with a bank fraud scheme involving a bad check. The marijuana charge was dismissed after Donalds completed a pretrial diversion program, and he later had the fraud record sealed and expunged.
Fishback, who has himself faced questions over <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/florida-school-gop-james-fishback-sexual-misconduct-allegations-rcna249963">sexual misconduct allegations</a>, <a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/811578-judge-orders-james-fishback-to-pay-his-former-hedge-fund-employer-1-3m/">financial disputes</a>, and <a href="https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/politics/decision/james-fishback-stays-on-ballot-florida-governors-race-residency-claims/3839164/">residency requirements</a>, sought to capitalize on Donalds’ past but faced backlash after calling the GOP front-runner a “DEI hire” and a <a href="https://x.com/Patriot_Clips/status/2075663909227253891?s=20">“slave”</a> to corporate interests.
“I will apologize for calling Byron Donalds a slave when he gives back the $81 million he has taken from AIPAC, hedge-fund billionaires, and special interests who are trying to pave over the state and turn us into a concrete jungle,” Fishback <a href="https://x.com/Patriot_Clips/status/2075663909227253891?s=20">told</a> reporters. 
The 31-year-old, who is closely <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vtjidiZRTg">aligned with Tucker Carlson</a>, ran a headline-grabbing, grievance-filled campaign built around issues he believed would resonate with the Gen Z right, including banning data centers, suspending aid to Israel, implementing a “sin” tax on OnlyFans, and ending what he called the H-1B visa &#8220;scam.&#8221;
DeSantis, barred from seeking a third term, largely stayed on the sidelines as the primary unfolded. He praised former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner while withholding an endorsement and took a pointed swipe at Donalds last year.
“We’ve achieved victories in Florida,” DeSantis <a href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/politics/elections/desantis-endorse-governor-candidates-florida-2026/67-d41d3df8-f85c-44e5-bbbc-82067c738590">said</a> during a press conference last year. “A guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the Left over these last years.”
Donalds and DeSantis were once close allies, but their relationship fractured in 2023 after Donalds broke with the governor over controversial education standards. The standards said enslaved people developed skills that could later be “applied for their personal benefit,” according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/byron-donalds-donald-trump-florida-governor-desantis-7cf12bdb0899d0165c4cbd98e5b3abe3#">Associated Press</a>. 
Donalds pushed back publicly at the time, writing on social media: “The new African-American standards in FL are good, robust, &amp; accurate. That being said, the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong &amp; needs to be adjusted.”
Looking ahead, Donalds said <a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/814808-byron-donalds-still-expects-ron-desantis-to-back-him-after-primary/">he expects</a> to earn the governor’s support as he prepares to carry the DeSantis legacy forward. Donalds has vowed to continue Florida’s fight against “woke” ideology in schools and state government. 
Under DeSantis, Florida has become a national battleground over culture-war fights, including DEI, abortion, and transgender issues. The state recently scored a major legal victory in its <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/three-year-culture-war-fight-ends-with-major-win-for-desantis?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=35&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Three-Year+Culture+War+Fight+Ends+With+Major+Win+For+DeSantis">three-year fight</a> over a law restricting minors from attending sexually explicit live performances, including drag shows.
November&#8217;s election will effectively mark the end of the DeSantis era, which transformed Florida from a purple swing state into a ruby-red bastion for conservatives nationwide. Florida’s Republican advantage has grown dramatically in recent years, holding a roughly <a href="https://dos.fl.gov/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-reports/voter-registration-by-party-affiliation/?lv=true&amp;quot=&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com">1.5 million-voter registration edge</a> over Democrats. To win statewide, the Democrats would need to overcome the GOP’s registration lead by winning back Hispanics and persuading a large bloc of conservative-leaning voters who have backed Republicans in statewide elections.
This fall, Donalds will face Democratic nominee David Jolly, a former Republican congressman turned Democrat who wants to repeal Florida’s abortion ban and is leaning into identity politics. 
“Culture wars divide and demonize. Florida should reject the politics of division and hate, and instead create a home where everyone is valued, respected, and welcomed,” Jolly’s <a href="https://davidjolly.com/issues/">campaign website</a> reads. “Florida should embrace our immigrant community and celebrate their contributions to our state&#8217;s culture and economy.”
The <a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/governor/race/479481">Cook Political Report</a> rates the race as Solid Republican.

Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Byron Donalds Campaigns Ahead Of Primary Election

Byron Donalds Cruises To Victory In Fight To Succeed DeSantis As Florida Governor

2026 Midterms

Byron Donalds

endorsements

Florida

James Fishback

Ron DeSantis

With less than three months until the 2026 midterm elections, the GOP appears to be flailing. Some of this is to be expected: Voter backlash against the party that controls the White House is the norm in the midterms; Donald Trump demonstrated in both 2016 and 2024 that while he can turn out enough votes to win a presidential election, a chunk of voters who back him also sour on him relatively fast once he’s actually in office.
Still, one additional worry is the GOP’s poor approval ratings on the economy, and voters shifting trust to Democrats on this key issue. It has a lot of conservatives, moderate Republicans, and right-libertarians asking what can be done to eke out victories and prevent a DSA-infused Democratic Party from taking the House, and potentially also the Senate, in November. Ultimately, while success will be exceedingly tough to manage, there are a few things Republicans could be doing right now to right the ship — or at least stop the bleeding.
Let’s start with policy. While few voters actually vote on it, they certainly respond to its effects. But what can have an almost immediate impact? The good news is that there are boatloads of executive actions the Trump administration could take right now to curb inflation, especially for everyday items like gas and groceries. The bad news is that several big items will be anathema to Trump because of his core ideology, and getting him to sign on will be almost impossible.
Let’s start with what’s easy…ish.
Trump should immediately order the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to shift their attention away from investigations focused on companies whose products are either free or very cheap — in other words, Big Tech — and get very visibly and vocally aggressive with big market players who are legitimately driving prices up across a variety of sectors.
Yes, taking Big Tech out of the firing line will piss off Vice President JD Vance and some of the “edgelord” constituency, and yes, this will be viewed as distasteful and gross by a lot of the Paul Ryan types who still make up much of the GOP donor class and some of the voting base who reflexively oppose antitrust action.
But for my money, it’s pretty hard to argue that <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-accuses-foreign-owned-meat-packers-of-inflating-u-s-beef-prices">big meat conglomerates</a> like Brazilian giant JBS are not driving up beef prices, or that big hospital systems like <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-new-york-presbyterian-hospital-anticompetitive-contracts-increase">New York-Presbyterian</a>, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-ohiohealth-stop-using-anticompetitive-healthcare-contract-terms">OhioHealth</a> (and countless other smaller systems like, say, UCONN Health in my own state, which was accused of trying to hike rates billed to United Healthcare by <a href="https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/community-health-center-stop-accepting-united-healthcare-insurance/3621939/">45% in just one year</a> and <a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/hospitals-insurers-uconn-health-cigna-ct-22245432.php">expanding specifically so it could bill higher rates</a>) are not driving up underlying health care prices, which means higher insurance premiums. Big real estate players like <a href="https://redstate.com/redstate-guest-editorial/2026/07/19/the-real-reason-buying-a-home-costs-so-much-n2204487">Zillow</a> have also been accused of pushing property prices higher. Federal probes of at least two of these entities are already underway.
But Trump could get noisier about this and use the bully pulpit more, including against drug companies that are pushing inflation-stoking price hikes. Will he be decried by his opponents for engaging in quasi-mob tactics to force price decreases or tapered future hikes? Sure. But this is one area where his Queens-guy brawler instincts might actually pay off for the American people. And haters gonna hate anyway, right?
There are other things Trump could do, too — though they’ll be tougher for him to get on board with, given his own policy preferences and firmly held beliefs.
First, Trump needs to nix all tariffs he has instituted, and go further, by rolling back inherited tariffs from prior administrations. In tandem with this, action should be taken to maximize the refund of all tariffs paid by consumers that were subsequently found to have been unconstitutionally levied directly to those consumers. It is readily apparent at this point that tariffs have <a href="https://www.fox5vegas.com/2026/04/14/tariffs-drive-up-grocery-prices-squeeze-independent-stores/">driven prices higher</a> and hit grocery prices particularly hard. So while this will be tough for Trump to stomach, it needs to happen.
Second, Trump needs to take a good hard look at Vance’s foreign policy push and consider unilaterally drawing an end to military action targeting Iran. This will sit poorly with a lot of big GOP donors, and some GOP voters (full disclosure: Three or four days out of seven, I’d probably even find myself in their ranks). It might not bring gas prices down, and if it does, there’s only an outside chance that would happen in time for November. But if gas prices are a serious worry (and they make items like <a href="https://www.kold.com/2026/04/10/13-fact-finders-war-tariffs-packaging-drive-up-prices-consumers/">groceries more expensive, too</a>), then it needs to be given serious consideration.
Third, there is something else Trump could do right now to bring gas prices down — it just might piss off chunks of farm country. Higher-than-ever EPA-imposed ethanol blending requirements are currently estimated to be tacking on an extra 20 cents to $1.00 per gallon of gas while reducing efficiency. If this election is going to turn on gas prices, paring those requirements back could be a big political boon — and for the record, limited-government conservatives would love the policy, too.
A fourth item, trickier given President Trump’s hatred of windmills, is getting wind power online quickly to keep electricity bills low-ish as power demand surges. Right now, you cannot buy a gas turbine, with major manufacturers effectively sold out; a new gas plant won’t deliver power for a minimum of five years. A wind project comes online within 12 to 18 months. More wind could meet surging power demands and keep prices – and local taxes – lower in states like Texas, Iowa, Ohio, and Michigan.
But while all of these things are important, it’s also critical not to forget actual political strategy and tactics. If Democrats are trying to make this election about the cost of living, Republicans would do best to make it about something else — and on this front, goodness knows they are trying.
I’m unconvinced that much can detract from worries about inflation (I have maintained since I was a teenager that bad inflation numbers are the ultimate political death sentence, and the year 2024 bore that out well, globally). But it cannot be ignored that one reason why Susan Collins remains in contention in Maine is the voluminous dirt-digging and exposing operation that was stood up targeting Graham Platner, which has weakened Democrats in the state overall.
In Texas, God knows Ken Paxton is trying to make the race about Democrat James Talarico’s very fringe leftist views on cultural issues ranging from abortion to transgender kids. Will it work? Possibly not, because Ken Paxton is, well, Ken Paxton. And again, when every time you fill up your tank of gas or buy groceries, you are silently screaming at the bill, who does and does not believe in a nonbinary Jesus might seem just a tad irrelevant.
But shining a spotlight on Democrats’ own easy-to-understand liabilities (Platner’s alleged rape of an ex, Troy Jackson’s apparent ongoing intimate relationship with a cousin, Talarico’s very socially lefty views) could help on the margins. It might prevent a Democratic-controlled Senate, given how tight both the Maine and Texas races appear. It might help prevent Democrats from winning a huge House majority and make it narrower. That could be useful when Democrats try to impeach Trump again; they might not have the numbers within their own caucus to make it viable (if the John Fetterman types of the world prevail).
Shining a light on the role of the DSA and their arguable or overt antisemitism may also help in spots. For example, as the DSA has risen, Rep. Mike Lawler&#8217;s political fortunes have improved, even as the national environment for Republicans has worsened. The trend won’t be evident everywhere, but this liability could strategically be deployed in some races to improve Republicans’ performance.
Another thing Trump could personally do to try to turn the tide, or at least stem the losses, is spend down some of the very healthy funds currently warehoused in his various committees to aid vulnerable Republicans. In previous midterm cycles, the president has taken flak for being stingy with his own spending. Now in his last term in office, and facing a third, fourth, fifth, or even sixth impeachment — and potentially Democrats controlling the Senate, which would make a full impeachment trial a near-certainty — it might be time to stop hoarding campaign cash and deploy it freely to try to eke out some victories not currently in the cards.
The bottom line is that unfortunately, the result of November’s election is probably almost entirely baked in at this point, and no amount of policy or strategic changes will alter the outcomes. However, the real reason to make these changes is not political; it’s because making them will improve Americans’ lives by effecting better policy now, and — at least potentially — facilitating other, better policy outcomes in the future. That’s supposedly why politicians of all stripes and ideologies step up to serve, so hopefully it can be prioritized to a greater degree over the coming months.
***
Liz Mair is the owner, founder and President of <a href="http://www.mairstrategies.com/">Mair Strategies LLC</a>.

Trump Tries To Curb Birthright Citizenship Anew After Court Loss

Liz Mair: Trump Holds The Power To Republican Victories In November But Does He Have The Will?

2026 election

DW Opinion

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) secured Tennessee&#8217;s Republican gubernatorial nomination Thursday, prevailing over two conservative rivals even though President Donald Trump stayed out of the race.
With more than 90% of the vote in, Blackburn led four-term U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritts with 43.5% of the vote. <a href="https://x.com/DecisionDeskHQ/status/2085537742864138332?s=20">Decision Desk HQ</a> called the race at 9:24 p.m. ET.
The Daily Wire&#8217;s Lynden Blake was at Blackburn&#8217;s victory party, where a cheering crowd greeted her.
&#8220;The real work begins right now,&#8221; Blackburn told supporters. &#8220;We have to unite. We have to defeat the Democrats in November. We&#8217;ve got to send a message loud and clear, we&#8217;re a solid red conservative state, and all of these socialist, communist policies end at the Tennessee state line.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Senator Marsha Blackburn takes the stage for her victory speech in the TN Governor GOP Primary. <a href="https://x.com/realDailyWire?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDailyWire</a>. <a href="https://t.co/kk95jU8xD6">pic.twitter.com/kk95jU8xD6</a>
— Lynden Blake (@LyndenBlake) <a href="https://x.com/LyndenBlake/status/2085546775201378662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote>
In the Tennessee legislature, Blackburn helped lead the charge to eliminate the state&#8217;s income tax. Following her election to the U.S. Senate, she became a close ally of  Trump and has been a leading Republican voice on issues including immigration, China, election security, and restricting transgender athletes from competing in women&#8217;s sports.
The longtime Republican, who just won a second Senate term, is expected to coast to victory over Shelby County Public Defender Jerri Green (D-TN) this fall in an overwhelmingly red state that has backed Trump in all three of his presidential runs and has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 2006. 
Leading up to Election Day, Rose campaigned on his rural farming roots while attacking a $30 million incentive package for a <a href="https://nashvillebanner.com/2026/06/17/john-rose-starbucks-ad-tennessee-dei/">Starbucks corporate expansion</a> in Nashville, arguing the funds should instead support local small businesses and core state services. Fritts, meanwhile, raised little money and centered his campaign on religious issues, vowing to find a First Amendment workaround to <a href="https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/07/28/tenn-governor-candidate-calls-ban-mosques-non-christian-religions/">ban mosques</a> and other non-Christian religious groups.
Strong early voting turnout reflected heightened interest on both sides, driven by the open race to replace Republican Gov. Bill Lee and the legislature&#8217;s elimination of Tennessee&#8217;s last Democratic congressional district. Polls leading up to the primary also suggested a <a href="https://nashvillebanner.com/2026/07/30/tennessee-republican-primary-poll-blackburn-rose/">tightening</a> race as Blackburn came under fire for <a href="https://nashvillebanner.com/2026/07/14/republican-gubernatorial-debate-dodged/">skipping debates</a>, limiting media access, and releasing a <a href="https://x.com/AdImpact_Pol/status/2074953981957194064?s=20">viral campaign ad</a> in which she crushed a fortune cookie at a Chinese restaurant.
“How hard am I gonna crack down on China? Well, here’s a clue,” Blackburn says as she smashes fortune cookies. “It doesn’t take a fortune cookie to figure it out: here in Tennessee, we’re going to stop Communist China and protect Tennessee land.”
Blackburn has voiced her views on China in Congress since <a href="https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/taking-on-china-since-day-one-senator-blackburn-s-record">2003,</a> when she recognized the threat of Chinese intellectual property theft. In the ad, Blackburn promises to work with the Trump administration to continue the fight.
“As I’ve said from the beginning, Tennessee should be America’s conservative leader, and one of the places that we can — and should — lead is in showing the rest of America how to stand up to and confront Communist China,” Blackburn had told <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/marsha-blackburn-crushes-chinese-fortune-cookies-in-first-ad-of-gov-campaign">The Daily Wire</a>. “As governor, I’ll work with the legislators to tighten up those loopholes and hunt down every adversary who tries to get a foothold in our state.” 
The MAGA firebrand has also pledged to partner with the Trump White House to deport illegal immigrants, combat violent crime, expand school choice, and govern in a way that keeps Tennessee a <a href="https://marshablackburn.com/issue/ensuring-tennessee-remains-a-safe-haven-for-conservatives/">&#8220;safe haven&#8221;</a> for conservatives.
If Blackburn wins the November general election, her Senate seat will become vacant, setting up a closely watched appointment and likely a competitive special election for one of Tennessee&#8217;s two U.S. Senate seats.
<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/governor/race/479601">The Cook Political Report</a> rates the Tennessee governor&#8217;s race as Solid Republican.

GOP Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Town Hall in Warren, MI

Marsha Blackburn Cruises To Big Primary Win In Tennessee Gov Fight

Gov. Bill Lee

Marsha Blackburn

Republican Primary

New York Republicans could be entering the 2026 midterms without their biggest financial backer after billionaire Ronald Lauder reportedly stopped donating to GOP candidates in the state.
Lauder, 82, an heir to the Estée Lauder fortune, has been one of New York Republicans&#8217; most prolific donors. He has contributed more than <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/nyregion/ronald-lauder-republicans-donor.html?unlocked_article_code=1.21A.CRjh.5BUFz8E9BDcF&amp;amp;smid=url-share">$40 million</a> to state and federal races over the past several decades and maintained a close relationship with President Donald Trump dating back to their time together at the University of Pennsylvania&#8217;s Wharton Business School.
According to The New York Times, Lauder has not made a single political donation to New York Republicans this year. His most recent political contributions included a $5 million donation to pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. and support for another super PAC that opposed Zohran Mamdani&#8217;s campaign for New York City mayor
Lauder has also been credited with helping persuade Trump to pursue the idea of purchasing Greenland.
Gerard Kassar, chairman of the Conservative Party of New York State, told the Times that Lauder’s family encouraged him to step back from politics as he has gotten older.
Kassar said that Lauder “got to a certain age that his family and him all decided he wasn’t going to be as active the way he has been.” 
Kassar added that no one can replace Lauder as a financial backer for Republicans in New York, describing the philanthropist as a one-stop shop for GOP fundraising in the state. 
 The Times cited three associates of Lauder who echoed Kassar&#8217;s account, saying Lauder&#8217;s children had urged him to reduce his spending on politics, philanthropy, and art collecting.
Lauder’s retreat comes despite his son-in-law, Kevin Warsh, taking one of Washington’s most consequential jobs. Warsh, who married Lauder’s daughter Jane in 2002, became chairman of the Federal Reserve after being nominated by President Trump earlier this year. 
Kassar said he was unaware whether Lauder&#8217;s personal finances played any role in his decision to reduce his political giving. 
Lauder has also downsized his personal political operation, recently eliminating staff from his personal office. Securities filings from The Estée Lauder Companiesshow that Lauder reimbursed the company nearly $22 million in 2025 for expenses associated with that office, suggesting it had become a sizable operation. 
Separately, Lauder made headlines in 2023 when he suspended donations to his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, over its handling of antisemitism on campus following pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve spent the last 40 years of my life fighting antisemitism all over the world,&#8221; Lauder <a href="https://www.thedp.com/article/2023/10/penn-lauder-reexamining-support">said</a>. &#8220;I never in my wildest imagination thought I would have to fight it at my own university, my alma mater, my family&#8217;s alma mater.&#8221;
He added that he and other donors &#8216;can no longer be silent,&#8217; and that newspapers, universities, and cable channels had to understand &#8216;there are consequences for their actions. The University has hosted numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrations and protests on its campus since the October 7 attacks.

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