Welcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.In today’s edition, we break down the key takeaways from the latest round of primaries.Plus, Andrea Mitchell looks at the aftermath of the Abbey Gate attack five years later.
Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.— Adam WollnerTrump flexes as the Freedom Caucus fades: 3 primary night lessonsAnalysis by Adam WollnerTuesday marked the final multistate primary day of the year.After a few more nominating contests in New England next month, we will be firmly in general election mode.But before we get there, let’s review three lessons we learned from the primary runoffs in South Carolina and Oklahoma.Trump’s endorsement is still potent: It had been an unusually tough month for Republicans backed by President Donald Trump.
Of the nine candidates he endorsed in House, Senate and gubernatorial primaries who have suffered defeats this year, six came in August.But Trump bounced back in a big way last night, pushing appointed Sen.Darline Graham — whom he had recruited to run for the seat held by her late brother — across the finish line in South Carolina.
Trump went beyond his usual level of support for primary candidates — supportive Truth Social posts and tele-rallies — and held an in-person event with Graham days out from Election Day.It seems to have paid dividends: Graham won Horry County, where the rally took place, by nearly 47 points over Rep.
Ralph Norman.Trump also eked out a win in Oklahoma.
His endorsed candidate, former state Sen.Mike Mazzei, defeated Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond in the primary runoff for governor by 2,000 votes.
And so is his money: Trump went to bat for Graham in another key way.His allied super PAC, MAGA Inc., poured $830,000 into phone calls and text messages to voters ahead of the runoff.MAGA...