South Carolina GOP aims to extend winning streak in high-profile races

Key Points:

• South Carolina voters are participating in primaries for governor and U.S. Senate, with Republicans aiming to continue a decades-long statewide winning streak, heavily emphasizing loyalty to President Donald Trump.
• In the governor's race, Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who is competing against several candidates including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace; the primary will determine if Evette wins outright or if a runoff is needed.
• Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump seeking a fifth Senate term, faces challengers including Mark Lynch, who criticizes Graham's conservatism but has been disparaged by Trump on social media.
• Democrats face significant challenges in winning statewide offices, with no gubernatorial or Senate victories in decades, though candidates like State Rep. Jermaine Johnson and physician Annie Andrews hope to leverage dissatisfaction with Trump.
• Republican primary campaigns have focused heavily on securing Trump's endorsement, with candidates using their association with him as a key campaign strategy amid ongoing political tensions related to the Iran conflict.