Trump-backed Mike Lindell loses Minnesota primary to Lisa Demuth; South Carolina Senate race heads to runoff

In a notable setback for US President Donald Trump's primary endorsement record, MyPillow founder Mike Lindell was defeated in Minnesota's Republican gubernatorial primary by state House Speaker Lisa Demuth, according to CNN.

The result came despite Trump issuing an explicit endorsement hours before polls closed, writing on Truth Social that Lindell "deserves a BIG WIN IN MINNESOTA today."

Demuth prevailed in a raucous, three-way contest against Lindell and Kendall Qualls, an Army veteran and former healthcare executive. According to CNN, while Qualls won the state GOP's endorsement at its convention and Lindell held Trump's endorsement, Demuth prevailed by pressing her legislative accomplishments and experience.

Celebrating her victory, Demuth wrote on X, "It's an absolute honor to be the Republican candidate for governor of Minnesota. Today was a major milestone in this campaign, but we're not done yet. Tonight, Minnesotans made it clear they are ready for real change - at the top. It's time to end the fraud, restore common sense to our state government and return Minnesota to a place that works for families, seniors, businesses and our next generation. Let's go win in November!"

She will advance to face Democratic candidate and current US Sen. Amy Klobuchar in November.

On the Democratic side in Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan secured the nomination for the US Senate seat being vacated by outgoing Senator Tina Smith, defeating moderate candidate Rep. Angie Craig.

Flanagan, a progressive who secured the state party's endorsement in May with backing from Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, had criticised her opponent in November, Republican Michele Tafoya, saying that she is a "loyal soldier" to President Donald Trump and does not understand the struggles people are experiencing in their lives, according to CNN.

Following the race, Angie Craig extended her support to Flanagan, stating in a post on X, "Peggy Flanagan's commitment to Minnesota and dedication to improving the lives of everyone around her is admirable -- I offer her my wholehearted support."

Meanwhile in South Carolina, Senator Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman advanced to an August 25 runoff in the special Republican primary to complete the term of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

"This is a very emotional night because I'm usually standing here celebrating with Lindsey," Graham said after qualifying for the runoff, as reported by CNN. "I know he's looking down right now, smiling."

"That gives me peace, but it's difficult," she added.

Graham thanked President Donald Trump for his "steadfast support and his complete and total endorsement," and retold the story of growing up with her brother in the back of the bar of a liquor store to highlight her work ethic.

According to CNN, Trump reaffirmed his endorsement of Graham after she advanced to the runoff. Speaking to reporters after disembarking Air Force One, Trump said, "She just called me to thank me for the endorsement, and it's great that she's doing so well... I think she's great. It's really in honor of her brother, and she's really a very smart woman."

In neighbouring Wisconsin, CNN reported that Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley holds a razor-thin 0.5 percentage point lead over democratic socialist state Assemblymember Francesca Hong in the Democratic primary for governor, with roughly 87% of the vote reported.

Despite the razor-thin margin, Hong expressed confidence during her gathering, telling supporters that "we are ready to keep fighting" as votes remain uncounted.

"I feel confident, but more importantly, I am so deeply, deeply grateful," Hong said, as quoted by CNN. The democratic socialist added that "we are here tonight" because people came together "to demand something new and something better." (ANI)