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Trump Snub? GOP Incumbents Accused of ‘Borrowing’ President’s Support to Survive Brutal Primaries

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President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd after delivering remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

President Donald Trump’s pull inside the Republican Party is still absolute.

His endorsement? Political gold.

“The Trump endorsement is king in any primary,” longtime GOP strategist Jesse Hunt told Fox News Digital. Fellow Republican consultant Matt Gorman didn’t mince words either, calling it “an undeniable force.”

And that reality is driving a new, high-stakes strategy among vulnerable Republicans: if you can’t win Trump’s backing… try to look like you have it anyway.

PLAYING DEFENSE AGAINST TRUMP-BACKED CHALLENGERS

Across the country, embattled GOP incumbents are facing serious primary threats from candidates backed by Trump himself. And instead of confronting that head-on, some are leaning into carefully crafted messaging that suggests they’re still aligned with the president.

Take Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy.

Cassidy — one of just seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump after the January 6 impeachment — is now locked in a tough primary against Trump-endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow.

But you wouldn’t know that from his ads.

In one spot, Cassidy highlights a fentanyl bill he authored, adding:
“President Trump said it was the most important legislation he would sign this year,”

Images of Trump appear prominently.

Another ad goes further, flashing “Trump & Cassidy” on screen while touting tax cuts the two “worked” on together.

Notably missing? Any mention that Trump is backing his opponent.

MASSIE’S PHOTO-OP FLASHBACK

In Kentucky, Rep. Thomas Massie — a longtime Trump critic — is facing a Trump-backed challenger, former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein.

Massie has repeatedly clashed with Trump, including over the Epstein files and foreign policy. But in a recent campaign ad, he spotlighted an old photo of himself smiling alongside the former president.

A subtle signal — but a deliberate one.

Meanwhile, Trump allies are pouring money into boosting Gallrein and attacking Massie.

CORNERNED IN TEXAS

In Texas, Sen. John Cornyn is fighting for survival in a runoff against MAGA favorite and state Attorney General John Paxton.

Trump hasn’t endorsed either candidate — but Cornyn is making sure voters remember their past relationship.

In one ad, the narrator says Cornyn “had his back,” as footage shows Trump and the senator giving a thumbs-up together.

“We’re especially grateful to your wonderful senators,” Trump says in an old clip featured in the ad, referring to Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz.

Unlike Cassidy and Massie, Cornyn isn’t contradicting an endorsement — but he’s still leaning hard into Trump’s image.

HIGH-RISK STRATEGY?

The tactic may be clever — but it’s also dangerous.

Hunt warns that implying support from Trump when you don’t actually have it could blow up fast.

“If you haven’t earned it but portray as though you have, it could be the end of your campaign,” he said. “That’s if the President decides to take issue with it.”

In today’s GOP, one thing is clear: crossing Trump is risky — but pretending he’s on your side when he isn’t could be even worse.

Trump Rival Eric Swalwell Suspends Campaign

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Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced Sunday that he is suspending his campaign for governor of California, just over 48 hours after multiple reports surfaced alleging sexual assault and misconduct involving a former aide and other women.

“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” Swalwell wrote in a post on the social platform X. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”

The San Francisco Chronicle first reported Friday that Swalwell allegedly sexually assaulted a former aide in 2019 and 2024, incidents in which the woman was said to be too intoxicated to give consent. CNN later reported that four women had accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including one who alleged rape.

Swalwell forcefully denied the claims.

“They are absolutely false. They did not happen,” Swalwell said in a video posted on X on Friday. “They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have. They also come on the eve of an election where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor in California.”

His attorney has also sent cease-and-desist letters to several of the accusers, according to CNN.

Despite those denials, political support for Swalwell unraveled rapidly. Within hours of the initial reports, his campaign co-chairs — Reps. Adam Gray (D-Calif.) and Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) — publicly urged him to exit the race. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), a longtime power broker in California politics, also called for him to drop out and said the allegations should be “appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability.”

An unsigned letter from members of Swalwell’s congressional office and campaign described the allegations as “abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians,” according to Politico.

Calls for his resignation from Congress have also grown, spanning both parties.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said she plans to file a motion to expel Swalwell from the House. Expulsion would require a two-thirds vote, meaning significant Democratic support would be necessary. Some Democrats have already indicated they would back such a move if Swalwell does not step down.

Separate investigations may further complicate his situation. The Department of Homeland Security said Sunday it is probing allegations that Swalwell illegally employed a nanny, while Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office confirmed it is reviewing the sexual assault claims.

Before the allegations emerged, Swalwell had been widely viewed as a leading contender in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. He had secured endorsements from major groups, including the California Teachers Association and the California Medical Association — both of which have since rescinded their support.

“CTA’s democratically elected board has voted unanimously to rescind our endorsement of Representative Eric Swalwell in his campaign for Governor of California. We withdraw all support,” the California Teachers Association wrote on X.

The race is now far more uncertain. Democratic strategists say candidates such as billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) could gain traction as voters reassess their options ahead of the June 2 primary.

Swalwell’s political downfall marks a dramatic turn for a congressman who rose to national prominence as one of former President Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics. A frequent presence on cable news, Swalwell served as an impeachment manager during Trump’s first Senate trial and was a vocal advocate for investigations into Trump’s conduct and associates.

The two have traded barbs for years, with Trump repeatedly targeting Swalwell in speeches and on social media, often mocking him personally and politically. Swalwell, in turn, built a national profile by positioning himself as a leading Democratic counterweight to Trump, including during his brief and unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign.

Influencer Files to Challenge Trump-Backed Rep. Randy Fine

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A social media personality known more for viral posts than political campaigns is stepping into a deeply red congressional race—against one of President Trump’s most outspoken allies.

Dan Bilzerian, an influencer with millions of followers, has filed paperwork to run as a Republican against Rep. Randy Fine in Florida’s 6th District, according to federal filings.

The move sets up a long-shot primary challenge against a first-term congressman who has quickly built a national profile—and strong ties to Trump.

Fine isn’t just another Republican incumbent. His campaign notes that Trump has endorsed him three separate times in the past two years, including in his current reelection bid. The district itself isn’t likely to offer much room for an upset: Trump carried it by roughly 30 points in 2024.

But Bilzerian isn’t entering quietly.

He has already taken aim at Trump directly, blasting the former president’s foreign policy in a recent social media post and suggesting he should be removed from office—remarks that could prove politically toxic in a GOP primary.

That puts him not only at odds with Fine, but also with the voters he would need to win over.

Meanwhile, Fine has been leaning into a different kind of national attention.

In recent days, the Florida Republican made headlines for a blunt argument tying immigration directly to the cost of living. He has called for deporting all illegal immigrants, arguing the move would reduce demand for housing, health care, education, and even car insurance.

“DEPORTATIONS = AFFORDABILITY,” Fine wrote in a series of posts, framing immigration enforcement as an economic solution.

He has also drawn a hard line against any form of amnesty, pledging he would “never, ever” support it.

The contrast between the two candidates is already stark: a Trump-aligned incumbent emphasizing immigration and affordability, versus a social media figure openly criticizing the president while trying to run in a pro-Trump district.

For now, the race looks lopsided on paper.

The district’s strong Republican tilt—and Fine’s backing from Trump—give the incumbent a clear advantage heading into the Aug. 18 primary.

Still, Bilzerian’s entry adds an unpredictable element to a race that otherwise might have flown under the radar.

Trump Endorses Former Fox News Host In California Gubernatorial Race

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

President Donald Trump is throwing his support behind former Fox News host Steve Hilton in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race, issuing a forceful endorsement as Republicans look to compete in a state long dominated by Democrats.

“I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post announcing his backing.

He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP.

Hilton is one of more than a dozen Republicans vying for their party’s nomination in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. A former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, Hilton later became a prominent conservative media figure in the U.S., hosting The Next Revolution on Fox News from 2017 to 2023.

His candidacy has also drawn support from high-profile conservative figures, including former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and actor Jon Voight, helping to elevate his profile in an already crowded GOP field.

On the Democratic side, the race is shaping up to be equally competitive — and potentially fragmented. Declared candidates include Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, and billionaire donor Tom Steyer, with the possibility of additional entrants. Because California uses a “top-two” primary system — where all candidates compete on the same ballot regardless of party and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election — a crowded Democratic field could split the vote.

That dynamic has, in past elections, created an opening for Republicans to consolidate support behind a single candidate and potentially secure a spot in the general election, even in a heavily blue state. If Democratic voters divide their support among multiple well-funded contenders, it raises the possibility — however narrow — of an unexpected general election matchup.

Hilton, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in London, has leaned into his outsider profile and policy background. In addition to his media career, he has been active in policy circles and previously called for investigations into alleged voter fraud following the 2020 presidential election.

Trump’s endorsement gives Hilton an early boost in the Republican primary and signals where the former president’s political influence may shape the race. It also aligns Hilton closely with Trump’s broader message on crime, taxes, and governance — themes Republicans hope will resonate with voters frustrated by California’s high cost of living and quality-of-life concerns.

The 2026 election will determine who replaces Newsom, who cannot seek another term due to term limits. While Democrats remain favored in statewide contests, the structure of the primary — combined with a divided field — could make this race more competitive than usual, particularly if one Republican emerges as a clear standard-bearer.

Political Strategist Says Democrats Will Target Trump’s Family After Midterms

Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville is escalating his rhetoric against President Donald Trump, warning that Democrats will aggressively target not just the president—but his family—if they win back power in the 2026 midterms.

In a new video this week, Carville predicted sweeping GOP losses in November, framing the expected outcome as a political knockout that would leave Trump exposed to a wave of investigations.

“Let’s talk about your future, your post-November future,” Carville said, anticipating widespread defeat of Trump and the GOP. “The Democrats are going to investigate you to no end.”

“They’re going to start going after you. Then they’re going to start figuring out where all the money stolen is,” he continued. “Then they’re going to go after your stupid jacka– kids and their spouses and all the other bulls— that you see, and they’re going to investigate the s— out of you.”

The comments build on a broader—and increasingly aggressive—set of predictions from Carville, who has repeatedly argued that Democrats are poised for major midterm gains. Across multiple recent appearances, he has claimed Republicans are heading toward significant losses, citing voter frustration over inflation, dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership, and fallout from the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict.

Carville has gone even further, suggesting those losses could trigger a chain reaction inside Washington: Democratic control of Congress, immediate impeachment proceedings, and a flood of investigations into Trump’s finances, conduct in office, and inner circle.

Trump himself has warned that a Democratic victory would lead to exactly that scenario, arguing that impeachment and investigations would follow quickly if Republicans lose control of the House or Senate.

Carville, however, is not just predicting investigations—he is openly embracing them. He has previously urged Democrats to center their messaging on accountability, including proposals for commissions to examine alleged “war profiteering” tied to the Iran conflict, which he has called a “catastrophe of the first order” and a “racket war.”

In his latest remarks, Carville also raised the possibility that Trump could face scrutiny beyond U.S. borders.

“When it comes to the stuff you’re doing in Iran, I got to tell you, you’re getting really, really, really close to war crimes here. You’re probably going to cross the line,” Carville warned. “And the one thing that Democrats are going to insist on in the 2028 election is that if you’re indicted by the international courts and I think it’s in Hog or Hague or somewhere in the Netherlands, we’re not going to protect your a–, not gonna protect you.”

He added that Trump’s political support could quickly erode—even within his own party—if Republicans suffer major defeats.

“You know who’s going to turn on you?” Carville asked. “What’s left of the Republican senators.”

Carville has repeatedly floated a dramatic endgame: that the mounting pressure—from investigations, impeachment threats, and political isolation—could ultimately push Trump to resign early and seek a pardon from Vice President JD Vance. Still, he has argued that even a presidential pardon would not shield Trump from state-level or international legal exposure.

“I got news for you, dude. You’re done,” he said. “And we’re going to enjoy watching your downfall. Thank you very much.”

The White House quickly fired back. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson said, “James Carville is a stone-cold loser who clearly suffers from a severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his peanut-sized brain.”

Carville’s latest comments are consistent with his long track record of blunt—and often controversial—political predictions. In recent years, he has repeatedly forecast Trump’s political collapse, including predicting a Democratic victory in 2024 and even suggesting Trump’s second administration would “collapse in 30 days.”

Now, with the 2026 midterms approaching, Carville is once again making a high-stakes call—this time not just about electoral outcomes, but about what he believes will be an aggressive, wide-ranging effort to investigate Trump, his family, and those closest to him if Democrats take back power.

Veteran Political Strategist Predicts Trump Will Exit White House Early

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Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville is doubling down on his prediction that President Donald Trump will not complete his second term, arguing this week that mounting political pressure could force him out of office within the next year.

In a Wednesday video for Politicon, Carville mixed his trademark blunt insults with a strikingly specific forecast: that Trump will “cut a deal” and resign from the presidency by April of next year. The longtime Democratic operative said he believes Republicans are headed for significant losses in the 2026 midterms—losses he argues will fundamentally weaken Trump’s standing in Washington.

Carville declared he’s so confident in Democrats’ chances in midterm elections that he’s predicting the GOP losses will feel like a “punch” from Mike Tyson for Trump.

“Let’s talk about your future, your post-November future. First, people are not going to return your phone calls. They’re going to correctly think, you know… they’ll say, well, he’s got two years left. He can do damage. No one gives a s**t about him. The Democrats are going to investigate you to no end,” he predicted.

The comments build on Carville’s earlier assertions that a Democratic sweep of the House and Senate would leave Trump politically isolated and increasingly irrelevant in Washington. In prior remarks, Carville suggested that “everything that he tries blows up in his face” and argued that a Democratic-controlled Congress would effectively sideline the president.

His latest prediction goes further, outlining a scenario in which Trump faces not only political marginalization but a wave of investigations from multiple fronts. Carville pushed for probes into alleged financial misconduct, claiming that “money stolen” by Trump and his family should be examined. He also suggested Trump could face scrutiny from international bodies over his handling of military strikes against Iran—a conflict Carville has previously described as a “catastrophe of the first order” and a “racket war.”

Carville argued that even Republican allies on Capitol Hill would eventually turn on Trump if the party suffers major midterm defeats.

“You know who’s gonna turn on you? What’s left of the Republican senators. There may be 43 to 45 of them left. Now the House is gonna vote to impeach you. You’re gonna be impeached in 2027… these senators can’t stand you. These Republican senators, they can’t stand you. They have to be there because of their politics, back in their states, but it’s gonna be apparent to them that you’re a loser. You’re a losing f**king bet.”

Trump himself has acknowledged the political stakes surrounding the midterms, warning that a Democratic victory would likely bring renewed impeachment efforts and aggressive congressional investigations. He has framed the election as a critical firewall against what he describes as partisan attempts to undermine his presidency.

Carville, however, argued that the pressure from investigations—combined with electoral losses and eroding Republican support—could ultimately push Trump toward resignation. He predicted the president would seek a deal that includes a pardon from Vice President JD Vance, allowing him to exit the White House before facing further consequences.

“We refer to it as a come-to-Jesus moment. You’re gonna assess where you are, even through your cloudy, stupid, fat-addled brain, you’re gonna figure out, I gotta get the hell out of here. You’re going to cut a deal and you’re gonna resign. [Vance] is going to pardon you. He’s got to pardon a lot of other people, but he’s a creepy, ambitious little twerp. He’ll do whatever he can to get into the White House. But they can’t pardon you for state crimes. They can’t pardon you in the International Criminal Court.”

While Carville is known for his provocative rhetoric and long-shot predictions, his comments reflect broader Democratic messaging ahead of 2026. He has repeatedly urged candidates to focus on issues like war profiteering tied to the Iran conflict and to promise aggressive oversight if they regain power.

Whether Carville’s prediction proves accurate remains to be seen. But with early polling suggesting potential Republican vulnerabilities and both parties already bracing for a high-stakes midterm battle, his remarks underscore just how consequential the 2026 elections could be—not only for control of Congress, but for the trajectory of Trump’s presidency itself.

Nancy Pelosi Claims Republicans May Hack Voting Machines and Create ‘Fake Count’ in Midterms

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is once again sounding alarms ahead of a major election—this time warning that Republicans aligned with Donald Trump could attempt to manipulate voting systems in the 2026 midterms.

In a sit-down interview with MSNBC’s Ali Vitali, the former House Speaker—long one of Trump’s most vocal critics—predicted Democratic success in the upcoming elections but cautioned supporters to stay vigilant against what she suggested could be underhanded GOP tactics.

“There are so many things that you can do to protect the election, and they are being done, whether it’s litigation or legislation or just mobilization, communication, all of that. But in addition to that, we have to be on guard as to what they may try to do to the technology. They may try to creep into the technology and create a false count,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi, who has spent years opposing Trump and his political movement, framed her concerns as part of a broader battle over the integrity of American democracy. She has consistently accused Trump and his allies of undermining democratic norms—particularly following the 2020 election—and her latest comments reflect that ongoing distrust.

Her remarks come as Democrats continue to push back against Republican-led redistricting efforts and the SAVE Act, a GOP-backed bill that would require stricter voter identification. While the legislation has passed the House, it faces steep odds in the Senate.

Pelosi didn’t hold back in her assessment of Republicans’ motivations.

“Pelosi accused Republicans of having ‘no commitment to the rule of law and doing things the appropriate way.’”

Despite her warnings, Pelosi struck a confident tone about Democratic prospects, outlining what she sees as the party’s core mission heading into the midterms.

“We have three purposes now. One is to win the midterm. Two is to make sure the elections are safe. And three, tell people what we will do when we win. That is the mission,” she said.

The longtime Democratic leader also reflected on the party’s future, predicting that a woman will eventually become president—though she does not expect to see it herself. She credited Vice President Kamala Harris with energizing voters during the 2024 election cycle.

“She turned out so many more people than who would have voted,” Pelosi said.

Watch:

Trump Issues Early Midterm Endorsement – Before Candidate Even Files To Run

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

President Donald Trump is throwing his weight behind a potential new Republican candidate in Florida, publicly urging Sydney Gruters to enter the race for Congress in the state’s 16th District — and promising his full endorsement if she does.

In a Tuesday post on Truth Social, Trump signaled strong support for Gruters, who has not yet officially declared her candidacy but is reportedly considering a run.

“Word is that Sydney Gruters, the wife of our GREAT Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Joe Gruters, is considering launching her Campaign for Congress in Florida’s 16th Congressional District!” Trump wrote.

“Should she decide to enter this Race, Sydney Gruters has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!” the president added.

The endorsement comes as the seat opens up following GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan’s decision not to seek re-election, setting the stage for what could become a competitive Republican primary in a reliably conservative district along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Sydney Gruters is married to Joe Gruters, a prominent figure in Republican politics who currently serves as chair of the Republican National Committee and as a Florida state senator. Her potential candidacy would further cement the Gruters family’s influence within both state and national GOP circles.

Responding to Trump’s backing, Gruters expressed gratitude while stopping short of confirming her plans.

“I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” she said, according to Florida Politics. “His leadership transformed our country and continues to inspire millions of Americans who believe in putting America First. I’m especially committed to advancing policies that lower the cost of living for hardworking families across our community. I’m grateful for his support and look forward to making an announcement about the path ahead very soon.”

Gruters currently serves as executive director and vice president of advancement for the New College Foundation, giving her a background in education and nonprofit leadership that could shape her campaign message if she enters the race.

Trump’s early endorsement — issued before an official campaign launch — underscores his continued influence in Republican primaries and his willingness to shape candidate fields well ahead of election season. His backing often carries significant weight among GOP voters, particularly in Florida, a state where he remains highly popular within the party.

In his post, Trump also outlined the policy priorities he believes Gruters would champion in Congress, framing her as a reliable ally of his political agenda.

“A Highly Successful Civic Leader and Public Servant, Sydney has dedicated her life to serving her Community, and she and her family are fierce advocates for our Movement to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!,” Trump wrote.

“As your next Congresswoman, Sydney will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, Champion School Choice, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

With Buchanan stepping aside and Trump already signaling his preferred candidate, the race for Florida’s 16th District is quickly taking shape — even as Sydney Gruters weighs whether to officially enter the contest.

Trump-endorsed Candidate Concedes Primary Following 23-Vote Margin

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Missvain, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger, one of the state’s most powerful Republicans, conceded his GOP primary race Tuesday after a second recount confirmed he trailed by just 23 votes. The razor-thin loss to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page ends Berger’s long tenure representing the Triad-area district and signals a potential leadership shake-up in a critical battleground state ahead of the midterms.

“While this was a close race, the voters have spoken, and I congratulate Sheriff Page on his victory,” Berger said in a statement following the recount results.

“Over the past 15 years, Republicans in the General Assembly have fundamentally redefined our state’s outlook and reputation. It has been an honor to play a role in that transformation.”

Unofficial results showed Page winning 13,135 votes to Berger’s 13,112, capping a dramatic contest that initially saw Page ahead by just two votes on primary night. His margin grew slightly as election officials reviewed provisional and absentee ballots, and subsequent recounts failed to change the outcome.

Berger’s defeat marks a major upset in North Carolina politics. As Senate leader since 2011, he has been a central figure in shaping Republican policy in the state. His loss comes despite an endorsement from President Donald Trump and reported efforts by GOP leaders to persuade Page to step aside, underscoring tensions within the party as it prepares for a high-stakes election cycle.

The outcome is likely to reverberate beyond the district. North Carolina is one of the nation’s top political battlegrounds, and Republicans are working to defend their legislative supermajority while also competing nationally to maintain their narrow U.S. House majority in the midterm elections. Party leaders have been particularly focused on redistricting efforts, including recent changes to congressional maps aimed at flipping a Democratic-held seat.

Page, who had urged Berger to concede as recounts concluded, framed his victory as a call for unity heading into November.

“I thank him for wishing me the best moving forward,” Page said after Berger called to concede. “Now it’s time for our community to come together and focus on winning in November.”

He will face Democrat Steve Luking in the general election in what is considered a GOP-leaning district. Berger defeated Luking in 2024.

Despite the loss, Berger will remain in office through January and continue to preside over the Senate during the short legislative session. He emphasized his intention to support fellow Republicans as they prepare for the general election.

“Looking ahead, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the short session to ensure North Carolina continues to be the best state in the nation in which to live, work, raise a family, and retire,” Berger said. “In the months ahead, I will also do everything I can to support all Republican Senate candidates and protect our supermajority.”

With control of Congress and key state legislatures at stake, Republicans are increasingly wary of internal divisions and low-turnout primary surprises. Berger’s narrow defeat highlights how even entrenched incumbents can be vulnerable, adding a new layer of uncertainty as the party heads into a pivotal midterm season.

DeSantis Hints At Another White House Run

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Ron DeSantis via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is leaving the door open to another presidential bid after his unsuccessful 2024 campaign, signaling he could reemerge as a contender in the increasingly competitive 2028 Republican primary.

“We’ll see,” DeSantis told Fox News host Sean Hannity on his podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity.” The full interview is set to be released Tuesday.

DeSantis, who is term-limited and will leave office in January 2027, faces a relatively short window to decide his political future. With the 2028 primary season expected to ramp up shortly thereafter, he will have roughly a year out of office to assess whether to launch another White House run.

Once viewed as a rising star in the GOP, DeSantis entered the 2024 presidential race with significant momentum. His national profile surged his opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns and a dominant nearly 20-point reelection victory in Florida in 2022. Early on, he was widely considered one of the strongest alternatives to former President Trump.

However, his campaign struggled to gain traction amid a prolonged and often contentious rivalry with Trump, who retained deep loyalty among Republican voters. After finishing a distant second in the Iowa caucuses — with just over 21 percent of the vote and nine delegates — DeSantis suspended his campaign ahead of the New Hampshire primary and endorsed Trump. He ultimately placed third overall in the Republican primary, behind Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Reflecting on that race, DeSantis suggested his support was constrained by Trump’s presence in the field.

“They were conservative voters, right? They didn’t want the non-conservative, they wanted me,” he said. “But the timing didn’t work out, obviously, for that.”

“So you just got to see what happens,” he added.

Looking ahead, the 2028 Republican primary is already beginning to take shape, with several high-profile figures jockeying for early position. Vice President JD Vance currently holds a significant polling advantage, benefiting from his national platform and close alignment with Trump-era politics.

Recent surveys illustrate the early dynamics of the race. A poll conducted by Echelon Insights found that 40 percent of Republican-leaning respondents favored Vance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed at 16 percent, while Donald Trump Jr., DeSantis and Haley trailed with 9 percent, 5 percent and 5 percent, respectively. Thirteen percent of respondents remained undecided.

A separate poll by The Public Sentiment Institute showed a somewhat tighter field, with DeSantis polling at 13.5 percent — good for third place — behind Vance (29.3 percent) and Rubio (15.5 percent). Nearly 10 percent of respondents were undecided.

The early polling underscores both the opportunity and the challenge for DeSantis. While he remains a recognizable figure with a record that appeals to conservative voters, he would likely enter a crowded field that includes establishment figures like Rubio, Trump-aligned candidates such as Vance and Trump Jr., and other potential contenders still weighing bids.

With Trump’s future political role uncertain and no clear consensus successor, the 2028 race is shaping up to be a wide-open contest. Whether DeSantis can reestablish himself as a top-tier candidate may depend on how effectively he rebuilds momentum after his 2024 defeat — and whether the political environment proves more favorable the second time around.