Donald Trump-backed candidates won Republican runoff elections in South Carolina and Oklahoma on August 25, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. In South Carolina, Darline Graham Nordone defeated veteran congressman Ralph Norman in the Republican Senate runoff [1, 2, 3]. Nordone currently holds the South Carolina Senate seat temporarily until January 2027, following the death of her brother Lindsey Graham [2, 3].
In Oklahoma, Mike Mazzei, also backed by Trump, won the Republican gubernatorial runoff against state attorney general Gentner Drummond [1, 2, 3]. Trump criticized Drummond as a "fake Republican" during the campaign [1, 2, 3].
Trump personally campaigned in South Carolina for Nordone, urging supporters on August 21 to vote "as if my name were on the ballot," saying, "So what I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot" [1, 2, 3].
The election cycle had been difficult for Trump-endorsed candidates, who suffered 10 losses in Republican primaries, including six in the two weeks before these wins [1, 2, 3]. Despite those setbacks, endorsements backed by Trump gained ground with these runoff victories.
Trump-supporting group MAGA Inc. spent over $827,000 on voter outreach, including calls and texts, in these primaries [1, 2, 3]. In addition, more than $9 million was spent on the Oklahoma runoff since the first round ended in June, reflecting the high stakes of the contest [1].
Nordone will serve South Carolina’s Senate seat through the special election cycle until January 2027, when a permanent successor will be chosen [2, 3].
