In a surprising turn of events, Burt Jones, endorsed by Donald Trump, fell short against Rick Jackson in the Georgia gubernatorial primary election. Meanwhile, Mike Collins secured victory over Derek Dooley and will now face off against Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
President Donald Trump suffered a significant setback in the Republican primaries when his chosen candidate for governor was soundly defeated by Georgia voters.
Related ↗US President Trump condemns Israeli actions in Lebanon as deadly to non-combatants.Businessman Rick Jackson secured a narrow victory in Georgia, outpacing Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who had been backed by both Trump and Governor Brian Kemp. The outcome saw Jackson hold a 5% edge over Jones at the time of the call.
A recent setback has occurred for a Trump-backed politician, mirroring the fate of U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, who fell short in the June 2 Iowa gubernatorial primary against Zach Lahn.
Read next ↗Details of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement will likely be disclosed shortly.Tuesday's primary elections saw several pivotal moments, including Jackson's surprising loss to a Trump-backed candidate.
05Trump's Georgia endorsement falls flat.
Trump's gubernatorial candidate suffered a loss, but his preferred Senate choice, U.S. Representative Mike Collins, triumphed over Derek Dooley with a substantial margin of victory.
Last week, Donald Trump's endorsement of Collins was met with limited enthusiasm, as the Republican will now compete against Senator Jon Ossoff in November's general election.
The outcome of the Senate hangs precariously in the balance. In the upcoming midterm elections, Trump's endorsement has failed to yield significant results in two crucial states: Georgia and Michigan. To gain a majority, Democratic candidates must secure at least four additional seats.
Ossoff's campaign is a fundraising powerhouse, boasting an impressive $60 million raised so far and a substantial $33 million cash reserve as of May. In stark contrast, Collins' financial situation is significantly more modest, with only $1.2 million in his account at month's end. The Republican Senate Leadership Fund has committed $44 million to flipping the seat.
With a resolute tone, Collins urged action to reclaim the seat, emphasizing the importance of defeating Jon Ossoff in the process.
A healthcare executive, Jackson, invested over $100 million into his campaign despite entering the race just in February. He positioned himself as a conservative outsider by highlighting his remarkable journey from poverty-stricken foster care to becoming a self-made billionaire after abandoning college. Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida publicly backed Jackson before the runoff election.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, a notable figure from Atlanta, is set to face Jackson in the upcoming election.
Jackson's ability to finance his own campaign doesn't guarantee success, as some experts predict a challenging path to victory in November.
According to Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia political science professor, Republicans face an unfavorable climate in the state this year. A Democratic victory in the gubernatorial election seems increasingly plausible.
15Trump's influence wanes in Southern states.
Barry Moore, a Trump-backed Republican, secured victory over Jared Hudson in the Alabama runoff on Tuesday.
With nearly 82% of votes tallied, Moore held a significant lead at 16 percentage points.
Trump's popularity has significantly declined in Southern states, where he once enjoyed overwhelming support. His margin of victory in Alabama was a staggering 30 percentage points back in 2024.
19Trump-backed candidate faces wage hike setback.
A proposed wage hike in Oklahoma is facing an uncertain future as voters appear poised to reject it. The measure, which aimed to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2029, has sparked opposition from Republican Governor Kevin Stitt and over 100 state legislators. They warn that its passage would have severe economic consequences, including job losses and increased prices.
At this point, a significant gap has emerged in favor of rejection, standing at 15 percentage points.
Oklahoma Republicans were not united in their stance on the ballot measure, with Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn publicly endorsing it, citing rising living expenses and stagnant wages since 2009.
Living frugally is not feasible when paying for transportation to work, rent and basic necessities. Government assistance becomes inevitable in such situations. Republicans should ideally promote self-sufficiency, rather than relying on public programs.
Oklahoma Republicans were not united in their stance on the ballot measure,with Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn publicly endorsing it, citing rising living expenses and stagnant wages since 2009.


