Iran War on the Ballot in South Carolina

The Iran war holds significant influence over the ballot in South Carolina, particularly for the GOP primary voters who will shape the political trajectory of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Graham, known for his strong alliance with President Trump, faces the challenge of maintaining his hawkish stance in the Senate. While he is favored to secure the Republican nomination, polls indicate he might face a runoff for the first time in his four-term tenure.

Graham’s major competitor, Mark Lynch, is targeting him from the right by leveraging the MAGA base’s growing anti-Iran war sentiment and frustration over the economic impacts of the war. Lynch criticizes Graham for not prioritizing “America First” policies in favor of ‘foreign aid packages, interventionist policies, and visa programs’ that he believes do not benefit American workers and taxpayers.

To avoid a runoff on June 23, Graham must achieve a 50-percent threshold. A recent InsiderAdvantage poll shows Graham leading with 51.2 percent of the vote, while Lynch trails with 20.9 percent. A separate Citadel poll indicated Graham at 46 percent, Lynch at 36 percent, and an undecided 18 percent.

Graham’s advocacy for the war aligns with his belief that U.S. intervention is necessary to prevent nuclear proliferation in Iran. Despite acknowledging the toll of the war, he argues its necessity outweighs the cost.

The primary coincides with renewed tensions in the Middle East between Iran and Israel, adding complexity to already fragile ceasefire agreements. As the war extends beyond 100 days, political pressures mount, affecting President Trump and his GOP allies as the conflict’s popularity wanes across the U.S.

Other Political Races

In South Carolina’s gubernatorial race, Trump’s support of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette against other Republicans, including Attorney General Alan Wilson and Reps. Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace, is closely watched. Evette leads but securing an outright win without a runoff would bolster Trump’s influence.

Maine’s Democratic Senate candidate, Graham Platner, remains a frontrunner despite controversies. His main competitor, Gov. Janet Mills, is still on the ballot despite suspending her campaign.

Primary contests are also ongoing in Nevada and North Dakota.

Mormon Backlash and Pentagon’s Update

Mormon lawmakers recently stirred Pentagon policy changes over religious denomination listings for active military members. The Department of Defense revised religious designations from 200 to 31. This update came after criticism for not listing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints under Christian denominations. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with this oversight.

The updated list aligns with categorical simplifications, allowing various religious identifications without specific denomination distinctions.

Trump’s AG Nominee and Confirmation Challenges

President Trump has nominated Todd Blanche for the permanent Attorney General position, succeeding Pam Bondi. The proposed nomination introduces potential Senate confirmation challenges due to Blanche’s controversial decisions as acting AG, including memos limiting IRS audits related to Trump and his family. His tenure has sparked bipartisan criticism over policies and significant indictments.

Growing Immigration Enforcement Deployments

White House border czar Tom Homan plans a significant increase in ICE deployment in New York City following state-level legislative restrictions on federal immigration authorities. These measures align with similar policies in New Jersey and Virginia, aiming to limit federal agencies’ capacities in local settings.

Visa Fee Authority Overruled

A federal judge blocked the administration’s imposition of a $100,000 fee on H1-B visa applications, affirming this fee exceeded executive authority. The fee aimed to prioritize American hires but faced strong opposition and was seen as an unauthorized tax.