Trump endorsements face tests in the June 16, 2026, primaries, as Republican voters in Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma decide whether to follow the president’s high-profile choices. The outcomes will offer an early measure of Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP before the November midterms.
Trump endorsements shape Georgia runoffs
In Georgia, Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Mike Collins faces former football coach Derek Dooley in the Republican Senate runoff. The winner will challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.
Trump has also endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican runoff for governor against healthcare executive Rick Jackson. AP reported that Jackson financed much of a campaign that has spent more than $100 million. Jones led the May 19 primary with 38% of the vote, while Jackson received 33%.
Republicans are also choosing between Vernon Jones and state Rep. Tim Fleming for secretary of state, a race shaped by election administration and disputes over the 2020 presidential vote.
Alabama and Oklahoma test Trump’s influence
In Alabama, Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Barry Moore faces former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in the Republican Senate runoff. Moore led the May primary, while Hudson has campaigned as an outsider. The winner will advance to November for the seat being vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
Oklahoma’s crowded Republican primary for governor presents a different test after Trump endorsed former state Sen. Mike Mazzei late in the campaign. A runoff will be required if no candidate receives a majority.
D.C. and California decide major open races
Washington, D.C., is using ranked choice voting in a mayoral primary for the first time. Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie are among the leading Democratic candidates, with affordability, public safety and local self-government central to the race. Final results could take several days.
In California’s 14th Congressional District, voters are choosing a successor to former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned after sexual misconduct allegations that he denies. State Sen. Aisha Wahab and transit director Melissa Hernandez are among the leading Democrats. A candidate receiving more than 50% will win outright; otherwise, the top two will advance to a special general election on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The results will shape key Senate and governor contests while showing whether Trump’s endorsement, campaign spending or outsider appeals carry the most weight with Republican voters.
