What Went Down During The May 17 Primary Elections

Ted Budd is currently delivering his victory speech for the North Carolina Republican Senate nomination. Early on in his speech, he thanks Trump for his support and mentions his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, who is herself a North Carolinian. As Nathaniel has written, it’s arguable that with the Club For Growth’s participation in the race, backing Budd might have actually done more for his success than any of the Trumps.

I think that’s right, Alex. That shotgun incident also predated Fetterman’s run for lieutenant governor which he obviously won, so it’s not necessarily a campaign-killer in a statewide race.

That’s a really good point, Alex. It’s something you’ve reported on for FiveThirtyEight. (Readers: give Alex’s deep dive on the catch-22 Black voters often face at the ballot box a read if you haven’t already.) I am curious, though, about whether Fetterman’s candidacy energizes Black voters in Pennsylvania.