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Donald Trump returned to South Carolina to lend support to Darline Graham for a Senate runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, arguing that she was fit to represent America. Despite his endorsement and her focus on affordability, Graham faced criticism after an alarming debate hiccup regarding the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. This pressure came from figures like former Governor Nikki Haley, while other endorsements appeared, such as Mark Sanford backing Norman.

Donald Trump is staging a campaign rally for Sen. Darline Graham in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, days before her runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. This focus on a deep-red state contrasts with the president's previous strategy of using quieter support for candidates in battleground states like Georgia, Michigan, and Texas. GOP operatives noted that they are waiting to see if Trump will apply similar high effort to other critical races.

The nation’s cartoonists provided commentary on political events during the past week, offering a look at current national politics.

The article discusses how both parties are grappling with controversies during election cycles, noting that candidates face allegations ranging from misconduct to ethical scandals. Florida voters rejected Cory Mills’ reelection bid, which provided private relief for some Republicans despite him facing an investigation. Additionally, top Republicans quietly supported Ken Paxton after President Donald Trump and Texas voters embraced him in the Senate primary.

Jonathan Haidt played a role in transforming the conflict surrounding children and social media into a political movement. The focus of the article analyzes how this process occurred.

Several Democrats who gained prominence during Trump's first term resistance efforts are experiencing primary losses, illustrated by Alexander Vindman’s stumble in Florida. Strategists point to a shift in focus among Democratic voters, moving away from confronting the president and toward economic concerns like the cost of living. The article notes that other candidates, including Diana DeGette, Eric Swalwell, and Tom Steyer, have also suffered unsuccessful bids.

Michael Cohen and Donald Trump are scheduled for a public phone interview on a New York City radio show following their reported reconciliation. Cohen stated that he is unsure if they will discuss presidential clemency regarding his three-year prison sentence conviction. The article notes Cohen was the star witness in the 2024 hush money case and previously criticized events like the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

New polling results show that despite reports of a shift in how the deportation campaign is being conducted, half of Americans still view the mass deportation strategy as too aggressive. Non-MAGA voters were significantly more likely than MAGA voters to say the campaign is too aggressive. This persistent negative sentiment highlights vulnerabilities for Republicans regarding their immigration policy.

Florida voters displayed a desire for change by opposing establishment candidates from both parties during primary elections. Democratic socialist Angie Nixon scored a major upset, defeating Alex Vindman; meanwhile, two Trump-endorsed candidates, Cory Mills and Catalina Lauf, lost their bids for Congress. These results reflect widespread voter frustration concerning the status quo and the economy.

Donald Trump suffered another endorsement loss when Republican state Sen. Eric Barlow defeated Trump-backed Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder in the gubernatorial primary in Wyoming. This marks a continued decline in Trump's primary endorsement record, following similar losses involving Mike Lindell and other candidates in Michigan and Florida. Trump's support has appeared particularly weak in governor’s races, including falls for Burt Jones, Randy Feenstra, and Pamela Evette.

Jon Ossoff drew attention at a Midtown Atlanta rally by calling out a little-known aide to President Donald Trump during a prepared speech criticizing Trump over the war in Iran. The comment went viral and faced swift backlash from Republicans. Despite his bold public persona, sources indicate Ossoff is meticulous and hands-on with all aspects of his campaign messaging.

The nation’s cartoonists focused on political commentary during the week.

Francesca Hong’s loss in Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary revealed perceived limits to the far left’s power, contrasting with successful primaries for Peggy Flanagan and Abdul El-Sayed. Some leading national figures, such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, withheld endorsements, leading some strategists to suggest that the movement should avoid recent missteps.

Progressives see the Wisconsin governor primary on Tuesday as a chance for a major victory, which could benefit the movement in 2028. However, national leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have not endorsed front-runner Francesca Hong, raising questions about her electability amid several controversies. Her lack of public support suggests she faces an immense task convincing moderate Democrats against opponents like Tom Tiffany.

Michigan Democrats held a general election kickoff rally where Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the state's high stakes are attracting attention from around the world. Abdul El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens in a bruising primary, and he now faces Mike Rogers for the Senate seat. The unifying efforts highlight Michigan's importance as a major battleground state for future political contests.

GOP Rep. Andy Ogles was ousted by a challenger in a Tennessee primary, losing his reelection bid despite support from Donald Trump and Mike Johnson. Former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher won the GOP primary after receiving an endorsement from Gov. Bill Lee and gaining outside funding. The article notes that Republicans redrew the seat to favor Trump while detailing controversies faced by Ogles.

Dasha Burns pressed Mike Johnson on several key issues during the discussion. The topics of conversation included the economy, Iran, and Trump's agenda.

Progressives achieved a victory in Michigan. The article raises questions about whether a democratic socialist can succeed in Wisconsin, referencing Francesca Hong's reaction to the Michigan primary.

Anti-Trump conservatives Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Thomas Massie met to discuss launching a third-party movement against the Republican establishment, focusing on ending U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. They broke with President Trump over policies in Iran and Epstein documents, but challenges for third-party campaigns remain high.

Abdul El-Sayed secured a narrow primary victory over Rep. Haley Stevens and now seeks to unify the Democratic Party in Michigan ahead of the general election against Trump-endorsed candidate Mike Rogers. Key Democrats like Elissa Slotkin and Debbie Dingell are supporting efforts to consolidate the party's fractured coalition, emphasizing unity after a contentious primary marked by tensions over Israel and campaign finance.