A legal immigrant, James Haddad, publicly endorsed Rep. Mike Collins in Georgia's Republican U.S. Senate primary due to Collins' "hardline approach on immigration," stating, "I'm an immigrant, but I'm a legal immigrant. Just follow the law." Haddad's support highlights a growing sentiment among voters prioritizing national borders and the rule of law, as Collins, a self-described "MAGA warrior," secured the Republican nomination. Collins sponsored the 2025 Laken Riley Act, a measure requiring immigrants charged with certain crimes to be held without bond, named for a Georgia nursing student killed by a man in the U.S. illegally.
Collins, a second-term congressman, has identified closely with President Donald Trump since first winning his House seat in 2022.
Haddad further asserted that Collins is "a good American who puts America first," underscoring the focus on national interests in the current political climate.
Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, whom Collins will face in November, initially voted against an early version of the Laken Riley Act but later backed it after President Trump returned to power.
Haddad lamented, "It's unfortunate that some immigrants have ruined it for others," reflecting the strain placed on communities by unchecked migration.
In Georgia's governor runoff, billionaire businessman Rick Jackson, who spent over $93 million of his own money on the race, declared that migrants in Georgia illegally who commit crimes "will be 'deported or departed'."
Jackson, who finished second in the May 19 primary, stated his wealth was "God's money" that he directs "the best I can," and expressed a desire for "our kids, our foster kids and everybody else, to have hope."
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who had President Trump's backing and was part of Trump's attempt to overturn his 2020 defeat, finished first in the May 19 primary with 38% of the vote.
The Migration Frontline
The Georgia Secretary of State race also saw candidates focusing on election integrity, with Vernon Jones, who switched parties to align with President Trump, stating his belief in "irregularities" and "violations" in 2020 and standing "with those who believe there was election fraud."
Jones' campaign platform included stronger voter identification rules and requiring voting in person with limited exceptions, addressing concerns about the integrity of national elections.
State Rep. Tim Fleming, also running for Secretary of State, acknowledged "irregularities" in 2020 and included a platform point to "make it impossible for the Left to cheat in our elections."
In Alabama, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, endorsed by President Trump, faced former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in the GOP runoff for an open Senate seat.
Hudson, a political newcomer, attempted to portray Moore as a "political insider" and called on voters to send an "outsider" to Washington, reflecting a broader distrust of the established political class.
Julian Metheny, 70, supported Hudson, stating, "He's not playing the game of politics. He's an outsider," indicating a desire for representatives unburdened by entrenched interests.
Challenging Elite Control
In Oklahoma, President Trump's endorsement of Rep. Kevin Hern for U.S. Senate was credited with keeping his most serious potential rivals out of the race, leading to Hern winning the Republican nomination with over 50% of the vote.
The Oklahoma governor's race saw nearly 72% of the cash raised by the four leading Republican candidates through last month come from their own pockets, totaling $22.5 million of $31.4 million, highlighting the role of personal wealth in political campaigns.
Former state Sen. Mike Mazzei, endorsed by President Trump, personally contributed $10.9 million, representing nearly 95% of the $11.5 million he raised.
Defending Self-Determination
In Washington, D.C., where President Trump has exercised "broad power," voters participated in primaries for mayor and the district's delegate to Congress.
President Trump "last week threatened a new federal takeover of Washington" when asked about a potential victory by Democratic front-runner Janeese Lewis George, stating, "Maybe we'd take back Washington, run it on the federal basis."
Mayoral candidate Kenyan McDuffie characterized the election as "the most consequential election of our lifetime," citing a president who "wants to infringe on our local autonomy," framing the contest as a battle for local self-determination.
Council member Brooke Pinto, a candidate for delegate, asserted, "Home Rule is not just a D.C. issue: it's a democratic principle," emphasizing the foundational nature of local control.
Fran Tatu, 69, expressed concern over "many young lives with the surge of federal officers by Trump and all of the troops that are here," reflecting community apprehension regarding federal intervention.
Republican Denise Rosado, an immigration lawyer, was running unopposed for the district's delegate race, offering a distinct voice in a predominantly Democratic city.
California's special election to fill former Rep. Eric Swalwell's term, following his resignation after sexual assault allegations, saw Republican candidate Dena Maldonado advocating for stopping "insider trading in Congress," protecting the Second Amendment, installing term limits, and ending "endless wars."
Maldonado, who runs a floral business, framed her candidacy around bringing transparency to the nation's capital and how taxpayer dollars are spent, echoing calls for accountability from the political establishment.