Trump-endorsed candidates lose Republican primaries in South Carolina and Michigan

In South Carolina, Darline Graham – sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham – received a full endorsement from former President Donald Trump but trails in the Republican Senate primary, polling at 19% against Rep. Ralph Norman’s 22% ahead of the Aug. 11 vote.

In Michigan, former federal officer Amir Hassan, also backed by Trump, was defeated in the GOP primary for the 8th Congressional District by Thomas Smith, who had suspended his campaign weeks earlier but remained on the ballot. Hassan lost by roughly 17 points, underscoring that Trump’s endorsements no longer guarantee primary victories.

Both races illustrate a growing pattern of Trump‑backed candidates faltering in Republican contests.