Story perspectives

Trump-backed GOP runoffs dominated by super PAC spending

8/25/2026

Left

Graham’s Trump Backing

Runoff elections for the Republican nomination were held on Aug 25 in Oklahoma’s governor race and South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.
The coverage highlights Darline Graham’s lack of elected experience and her heavy reliance on Trump-backed super-PAC funding, raising concerns about voter choice and accountability.
President Donald Trump’s Myrtle Beach rally for Graham coincided with MAGA Inc.’s $827,711.11 phone-call spend, part of over $6 million in super-PAC support for her Senate bid.

Right

Trump Backs Graham

Runoff elections for nomination were held on Aug 25 in Oklahoma’s governor race and South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.
President Donald Trump urged South Carolina voters to back Darline Graham, but strategist Ryan Williams warned his endorsement cannot overcome weaknesses.
Ralph Norman, a Trump supporter, got an endorsement from Governor Nikki Haley, indicating intra-party tension.
Mike Mazzei, Trump-backed budget secretary, trailed Attorney General Gentner Drummond in June, leading to runoff.

Center

Trump Endorses

Runoff elections for the Republican nomination were held on Aug 25 in Oklahoma’s governor race and South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.
Outside-group spending dominated, with Super PACs spending several million on ads for Mike Mazzei, $75,000 for Gentner Drummond, and MAGA Inc. $830,000 for Darline Graham.
President Donald Trump endorsed Mike Mazzei in Oklahoma and Darline Graham in South Carolina.
Analysts said contests were framed as battles driven by Trump’s backing and outside money.

History

Historical Context

The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in Citizens United v. FEC on June 24 2010 struck down limits on corporate and union independent expenditures. The ruling, followed by SpeechNOW.org, enabled super-PACs that together poured $4.5 billion into federal races through 2020, reshaping campaign finance. Today’s August 25 runoffs in Oklahoma and South Carolina feature Trump-backed candidates buoyed by multi-million-dollar super-PAC support.

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Graham’s Trump Backing

Runoff elections for the Republican nomination were held on Aug 25 in Oklahoma’s governor race and South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.
The coverage highlights Darline Graham’s lack of elected experience and her heavy reliance on Trump-backed super-PAC funding, raising concerns about voter choice and accountability.
President Donald Trump’s Myrtle Beach rally for Graham coincided with MAGA Inc.’s $827,711.11 phone-call spend, part of over $6 million in super-PAC support for her Senate bid.

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