Runoffs provide Trump’s next big GOP tests: From the Politics Desk

From the Politics DeskRunoffs provide Trump’s next big GOP tests: From the Politics DeskPlus, deal or no deal with Iran? Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00President Donald Trump during a proclamation signing in the Oval Office of the White House on June 11.Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA / Bloomberg via Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 12, 2026, 5:22 PM EDTBy The Politics DeskWelcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.In today’s edition, we look ahead to what’s at stake for President Donald Trump in a handful of upcoming primary runoffs. Plus, Kristen Welker has the latest on Trump’s quest for a deal with Iran to end the war. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.— Adam WollnerRunoffs provide Trump’s next big GOP testsBy Adam WollnerThe second half of June will bring a trio of unique tests for President Donald Trump as he seeks to keep his near-sterling record of endorsements in Republican primaries this year intact.Over the next two Tuesdays, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina will hold runoffs for primary contests where no candidate received 50% of the initial vote necessary to win outright. In Alabama’s Senate race and Georgia’s and South Carolina’s gubernatorial races, Trump-backed candidates finished in first place in crowded preliminary primaries. But that doesn’t mean they enter the runoffs as shoo-ins. They all took less than 40% in the first go-round and are facing opponents who are also running as staunch Trump supporters. Alabama Senate (June 16): Rep. Barry Moore is facing off against former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, whom Moore ran more than 13 points ahead of in the May 19 primary, for the GOP nomination in the race to succeed outgoing Sen. Tommy Tuberville. While Moor...