Georgia Primary 2026: Raffensperger Out, Trump Backs Paxton | GOP Digest May 21, 2026

MAGA Sweep Complete:

Trump-aligned candidates dominated Georgia's Tuesday primaries, cementing the former anti-Trump establishment's collapse. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Trump's preferred gubernatorial candidate, advanced to a runoff alongside billionaire Rick Jackson. Meanwhile, longtime Trump resisters Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr were both defeated — a stunning fall for Georgia's old guard that held out against MAGA since 2020.

Collins and Dooley Head to Runoff:

Rep. Mike Collins, a staunch MAGA ally and immigration hawk, advanced to a June 16 Senate runoff against former football coach Derek Dooley, who was backed by outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp. Collins holds the advantage heading into the runoff. The winner faces Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who has banked over $31 million — but the NRSC-aligned Senate Leadership Fund has pledged $44 million for the fall contest, one of the most expensive in the country.

Trump Backs Paxton, Cornyn Endangered:

President Trump ended his primary offensive Tuesday by endorsing Texas AG Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in next week's runoff. Paxton, a loyal Trump ally, has energized the MAGA base in Texas. Trump's endorsement in a high-turnout runoff could prove decisive. Texas Republicans holding both Senate seats is a critical firewall for the GOP majority.

Ballroom Funding Dropped, ICE Bill Advances:

Senate Republicans demonstrated fiscal discipline Wednesday, stripping the controversial White House ballroom renovation funding from the immigration enforcement bill after multiple GOP senators objected. Majority Leader John Thune is pushing the ICE bill forward on a party-line vote, keeping the focus on border security and immigration enforcement heading into 2026.

Nimitz Carrier Pressures Cuba, DOJ Charges Raúl Castro:

The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier entered the southern Caribbean on Wednesday as the Trump administration ratcheted up pressure on Cuba. The deployment coincided with the Justice Department announcing federal charges against Raúl Castro — a historic move signaling Trump's hardline posture toward the island regime.

PA Swing Districts Report Deep Economic Pain:

A New York Times report from eastern Pennsylvania — covering the two swing House districts from Scranton to Allentown that could determine House control — found voters expressing "profound economic distress" and frustration with rising costs. The region's blue-collar anger represents prime pickup territory for Republicans who can credibly run on economic relief. Separately, Philadelphia Democrats nominated far-left "Squad"-backed progressive Chris Rabb for the city's House seat, signaling the Democratic Party's continued leftward drift ahead of November.