GOP Digest — June 5, 2026 | SAVE Act Voter ID Falls 48–50 as Four Senate Republicans Side with Democrats

SAVE Act Fails 48–50 as Collins, Murkowski, McConnell, and Tillis Cross the Aisle:

Trump's signature voter-ID overhaul — the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act — was defeated Thursday as an amendment to the Senate's immigration funding package, falling 48–50, short even of a simple majority and far below the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome procedural objection. Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Mitch McConnell (KY), and Thom Tillis (NC) joined every Democrat to block the measure. The bill would have required documentary proof of citizenship to register and photo ID to vote. It is the second time Republicans have tried and failed to attach the SAVE Act to a budget package this Congress, despite Trump calling it a top legislative priority.

Hilton and Becerra Advance to November General as Mail Count Continues:

With 56% of expected ballots tabulated through Friday morning, Republican businessman Steve Hilton holds 28% and Democrat Xavier Becerra holds 26%, with Democrat Tom Steyer fading to third at 20%. Under California's top-two primary system, Hilton and Becerra appear on track to advance to the November general election — marking the first time a Republican will compete in a California gubernatorial general election since 2002. Mail ballots postmarked June 2 continue to be counted through June 9. Hilton told supporters: "Change is coming to California and it's long overdue."

Trump-Backed Evette Enters Final Weekend Before June 9 Primary:

Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette enters this weekend's final campaign push with a full Trump endorsement for Monday's Republican gubernatorial primary. Trump posted on Truth Social: "Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" South Carolina holds its Republican governor primary on June 9, one of several state-level contests heading into the summer stretch.

Collins Surges to 55–39 Lead Over Dooley Ahead of June 16 Vote:

Congressman Mike Collins leads former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley by 55%–39% in the latest JMC Analytics poll of the June 16 Republican Senate runoff in Georgia (May 26–27, n=600). Collins has consolidated MAGA support, while Dooley — backed by Governor Brian Kemp — has struggled to broaden his base. The runoff winner will face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is defending the seat he won in January 2021 and is the top Democratic fundraiser in the 2026 cycle. Georgia remains Republicans' highest-priority Senate pickup.

Outsider Hudson Leads Trump-Backed Moore 48–39 Ahead of June 16:

Former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson leads Trump-endorsed Congressman Barry Moore 48.7%–39.2% in a poll of likely runoff voters (May 28, n=600) for the June 16 Alabama Republican Senate runoff. Moore led the May 19 primary with 40.4% but failed to clear 50%. The seat is open after Sen. Tommy Tuberville opted to run for governor. The winner faces a deeply favorable general election environment in Alabama.

Doeden–Rhoden Runoff Makes State History July 28:

Businessman Toby Doeden (31%) and incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden (25%) will meet in a July 28 Republican gubernatorial runoff — the first runoff in South Dakota since the state adopted its 35%-threshold law in 1985. Doeden, a vehicle dealership owner and political outsider from Aberdeen, edged Rhoden in the June 2 primary as the vote split four ways, with Rep. Dusty Johnson at 23% and House Speaker Jon Hanson at 21%.

Schwarze Wins Senate Endorsement; Tafoya Refuses to Stand Down:

Adam Schwarze, a former Marine, won the Minnesota Republican Party's Senate endorsement in Duluth on the sixth ballot with 62%, defeating former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya for the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Tafoya immediately announced she will not abide by the endorsement and will run in the August primary, creating a divided field in a seat representing a genuine GOP pickup opportunity. In the governor's race, the convention also fractured after GOP-endorsed candidate Kendall Qualls faces a primary challenge from House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who announced she will run in August despite not securing the endorsement.