Trump’s Support at Stake in Southern Primaries

As voters in Alabama and Georgia prepare to cast their ballots on Tuesday, three significant races in the Deep South will put President Donald Trump’s backing to the test.

In Alabama, Representative Barry Moore, endorsed by Trump, is contesting against former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson in a Republican primary runoff for the seat of Senator Tommy Tuberville, who bypassed a runoff in the gubernatorial race.

Meanwhile, Georgia will witness two statewide Republican primary runoff elections featuring pro-Trump candidates pitted against newcomers.

In the gubernatorial race, longtime Trump ally and Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones faces billionaire Rick Jackson, who reportedly has invested over $100 million in his campaign. The winner will go up against former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in November. In the Senate race, Rep. Mike Collins, who just secured Trump’s endorsement, is competing against former football coach Derek Dooley.

Moore emerged as the frontrunner in the primary, garnering 39.2% of the vote compared to Hudson’s 25.6%. However, allegations of misconduct and a perceived disconnect between Moore and Washington may have hindered his campaign.

Recently, a list of Moore’s endorsements published by his campaign was removed, which raised eyebrows.

Despite these challenges, Moore enjoys Trump’s support and has also benefitted from over $10 million in spending from related political action committees.

Across the Chattahoochee River, Collins is favored against Dooley, who was recruited for the race by Governor Brian Kemp, who has had a tumultuous relationship with Trump, although they seem to be on friendlier terms now. Dooley and Kemp campaigned together during the final stretch.

Trump only endorsed Collins shortly before the election, once polls indicated Collins was leading.

The winner of this contest will take on fundraising powerhouse Senator Jon Ossoff in November. Ossoff has raised more money than any other incumbent this term and is rumored to be eyeing a presidential bid in 2028.

Still, Ossoff needs to secure victory in the increasingly competitive state of Georgia.

In the gubernatorial race, Jones hopes to leverage Trump’s support to overcome Jackson’s considerable funds. Current Governor Kemp backed Jones ahead of the primary.

Ossoff’s presidential aspirations could significantly influence the gubernatorial race, as the next governor will appoint his Senate successor if Ossoff secures the presidency or vice presidency.

Other notable races include Washington, D.C., which is electing its first new mayor in over ten years, as well as contests for non-voting Congressional delegates. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who held her seat for an impressive 36 years, has retired under scrutiny regarding her job performance.

Currently, Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser has maintained a reasonably cooperative relationship with Trump, who notably intervened in the city’s police force during his final term. Her successor is expected to come from a more radical faction of the party.

Oklahoma will also hold important preliminary races, although no major surprises are anticipated. The Republican Party in the state is set to nominate Rep. Kevin Hahn to fill the unexpired term of Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin.

Additionally, congressional primaries are happening in Oklahoma, with the GOP clash in the 1st Congressional District drawing particular interest.

Lastly, California voters in the 14th Congressional District will select a replacement for disgraced Rep. Eric Swalwell.

Voting will close in Georgia at 7 PM ET, at 8 PM ET in Washington, D.C., Alabama, and Oklahoma, while California’s voting, which primarily occurs by mail, wraps up at 11 PM ET.

Updated reports indicate Congressman Barry Moore has secured 58.4% of the vote in Alabama, bolstered by Trump’s backing and substantial funding.

Additionally, in Alabama, Moore leads with roughly 38.5% in a runoff marked by low voter turnout. The count stands at 58.8% for Moore compared to 41.2% for Hudson.

Meanwhile, Rick Jackson appears poised to defeat Lt. Governor Bert Jones in the Georgia gubernatorial race. As of now, Jackson claims 53% of the vote versus Jones’s 47%, even though Jones fought a strong campaign.

Reports also reveal that Collins has a greater share of the vote in his Senate race compared to Jackson in the governor’s contest, suggesting potential anxiety for Jackson despite his funding advantage.

In Georgia, Jackson leads Jones by a shrinking margin, although he remains ahead as results continue to come in.

As voting wraps up in various states, excitement remains high for the results of these key elections.