The political landscape is shifting following a series of closely watched primary elections across the United States. In South Carolina, Sen. Darline Graham, appointed to her late brother’s seat, has secured a spot in a Republican special primary runoff, endorsed by former President Donald Trump. She will face Rep. Ralph Norman in a critical battle for the GOP nomination, while other states like Minnesota and Wisconsin saw progressive Democrats clinch key victories and some Trump-backed candidates, like MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, face defeat.
The primary election season is in full swing, with polls now closed across key states as voters finalize their party's candidates for the upcoming 2026 midterms. From the battlegrounds of Wisconsin and Minnesota to the crucial Senate race in South Carolina, the electoral map is taking shape.
A significant development emerged from South Carolina, where the Republican field vied for the nomination to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Polls closed at 7 p.m. ET, and the results have set the stage for a compelling runoff election.
As confirmed by the Associated Press, Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., will advance to the runoff. Graham, who was appointed to fill her brother's unexpired term until January, has received a notable endorsement from former President Donald Trump for a full term. Her path to the nomination will now require overcoming Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who also secured a spot in the runoff, setting up a high-stakes showdown later this year.
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., makes her way to a swearing-in ceremony in the U.S. Capitol after she was sworn in on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Tom Williams | CQ-Eoll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
Further north, Minnesota and Wisconsin saw their polls close at 9 p.m. ET, highlighting a crucial test for the Democratic party's progressive wing. In Minnesota, progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan triumphed over centrist Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., securing the Democratic nomination for an open Senate seat, according to the AP. Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial race also saw a strong showing from Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, currently leading to become the nominee. This comes as incumbent Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, who is retiring, has endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as his preferred successor.
The Minnesota gubernatorial Republican primary also delivered a notable upset: MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, a prominent Trump-backed candidate, was defeated by state House speaker Lisa DeMuth. DeMuth will now face off against Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who clinched the Democratic nomination, in the general election.
Meanwhile, in Connecticut's 1st Congressional district, former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin emerged victorious over long-time incumbent Rep. John Larson for the Democratic nomination, as reported by the Associated Press.
This evolving political narrative underscores the shifting dynamics within both major parties as the nation heads toward the 2026 midterms. Stay tuned for further updates as more results become available.
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