Lindsey Graham, top Trump ally, wins South Carolina GOP primary as he seeks 5th Senate term
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) --
Meg Kinnard, The Associated Press
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Jermaine Johnson wins Democratic nomination for governor in South Carolina.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) --
Annie Andrews wins Democratic primary for US Senate in South Carolina
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) -- Charleston pediatrician Annie Andrews has won South Carolina's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
South Carolina Republicans try to extend winning streak as Sen. Lindsey Graham seeks fifth term
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina voters on Tuesday are aiming to winnow the field in high-profile races for governor and U.S. Senate, with Republicans seeking to maintain a statewide winning streak that stretches back decades.
South Carolina Democrats celebrate after failure of Trump-backed redistricting push
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Democrats were in a more celebratory mood than usual as they gathered Friday in South Carolina, a state led almost entirely by Republicans.
Trump jumps into Republican primaries for governor in South Carolina, Iowa and Oklahoma
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- President Donald Trump endorsed three Republican gubernatorial candidates Friday, wading into contests in South Carolina, Iowa and Oklahoma that have pitted allies against each other in a fierce competition for their party leader's blessing.
Trump jumps into 2 GOP governor primaries, backing Evette in South Carolina and Feenstra in Iowa
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- President Donald Trump endorsed two Republican gubernatorial candidates Friday, wading into contests in South Carolina and Iowa that have pitted allies against each other in a fierce competition for their party leader's blessing.
South Carolina Democrats expected to celebrate after failure of Trump-backed redistricting push
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Democrats may be in a more celebratory mood than usual as they gather Friday in South Carolina, a state led almost entirely by Republicans.
5 Southern Democratic chairs say South Carolina should lead off 2028 presidential primary calendar
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Democratic leaders in a handful of southern states are lobbying for South Carolina to reprise its role as the party's first-in-the-nation state to cast primary ballots in 2028, arguing that the state best represents the initial playing field for presidential candidates to build the coalitions needed to win.
Mark Sanford quits latest bid for Congress and says he'll set up a debt-focused nonprofit instead
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Mark Sanford, the Republican former South Carolina congressman and governor whose political ascendency was stalled by a 2009 affair, has ended his latest bid for public office, saying that he's quitting the race to reclaim his former coastal district to set up a nonprofit to address the national debt, his signature issue.
Justice Department cites dinner shooting to press preservationists to drop Trump ballroom suit
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump's Justice Department is using the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday to try to pressure preservationists to drop their lawsuit over his planned $400 million ballroom on the site of the former East Wing of the White House.
Project 2025 author Paul Dans drops primary challenge to Lindsey Graham in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Paul Dans, a chief architect of Project 2025, has shuttered his Republican primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, in a contest set to test the loyalties of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement in this year's midterm election.
Long-serving Democrat Jim Clyburn of South Carolina will run for an 18th term in Congress
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, the dean of South Carolina's Democrats, said Thursday that he will run for an 18th House term, a move that could position him as an influential elder statesman in Congress if his party regains the majority in November.
Obama throws his support behind Virginia Democrats' redistricting plan as it heads to voters
Former President Barack Obama is promoting a Democratic effort to redraw congressional lines in Virginia, the latest front in a nationwide redistricting battle ahead of this year's midterm elections.
Ethics panel opens investigation of Rep. Nancy Mace over housing costs
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into allegations that Rep. Nancy Mace overcharged a congressional program intended to help defray housing costs for lawmakers who have residences in Washington.
Democratic moderates warn that leaning too far left in midterms sets up presidential loss in 2028
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Across the country, progressives are lighting a fire that they hope will catapult Democrats back to power in Congress this year. But here in a hotel ballroom, the party's beleaguered moderates have another message -- not so fast.
Joe Biden returns to bask in 'thank you' event from South Carolina Democrats
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Joe Biden made a rare public appearance on Friday in South Carolina, basking in the appreciation of Democrats who resuscitated his presidential campaign six years ago. Although Biden faces scorn in many corners for his failed attempt at a second term that preceded Donald Trump's return to the White House, the audience here welcomed him as...
What to know about the 'equal time' rule Stephen Colbert says led CBS to pull his Talarico interview
Stephen Colbert's comments that network executives pulled his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico over fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration has prompted a conversation about the rules governing how media outlets treat political coverage.
Stephen Colbert says network lawyers pulled James Talarico interview over FCC equal time fears
Late-night host Stephen Colbert said his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was pulled from Monday night's broadcast over network fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration on giving equal time to political candidates.
What to know about the Homeland Security shutdown
Another shutdown for parts of the federal government has begun as a fight over proposed restrictions on President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agenda drags on.
What to know about the Homeland Security shutdown starting this weekend
Another shutdown for parts of the federal government is expected this weekend as lawmakers debate new restrictions on President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agenda.
McMaster backs Evette to replace him as South Carolina governor. Is Trump's endorsement next?
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is endorsing Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette 's bid to succeed him in office, an attempt to clear the field in the crowded Republican primary that could pave the way for a coveted endorsement from President Donald Trump.
More 'No Kings' protests planned for March 28 as outrage spreads over Minneapolis deaths
A third round of "No Kings" protests is coming this spring, with organizers saying they are planning their largest demonstrations yet across the United States to oppose what they describe as authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.
Heritage Foundation calls on US to prioritize marriage and family in new report
The Heritage Foundation think tank is urging the federal government "to save and restore the American family," kicking off the midterm election year with a call for conservatives to focus on domestic issues.
Kennedy Center renaming prompts a new round of cancellations
The Kennedy Center is ending the year with a new round of artists saying they are canceling scheduled performances after President Donald Trump's name was added to the facility, prompting the institution's president to accuse the performers of making their decisions because of politics.
Kennedy Center renaming prompts second cancellation
A second group canceled scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center following the addition of President Donald Trump's name to the facility, with jazz supergroup The Cookers pulling out of a planned New Year's Eve concert, and the institution's president saying the cancellations demonstrate the artists' unwillingness to see their music as crossing lines of political disparity.
Kennedy Center renaming prompts new round of cancellations from artists
More artists have canceled scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center following the addition of President Donald Trump's name to the facility, with jazz supergroup The Cookers pulling out of a planned New Year's Eve concert, and the institution's president saying the cancellations belie the artists' unwillingness to see their music as crossing lines of political disparity.
More musicians cancel Kennedy Center concerts following addition of Trump's name to building
More artists have canceled scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center following the addition of President Donald Trump's name to the facility, with jazz supergroup The Cookers pulling out of a planned New Year's Eve concert, and the institution's president saying the cancellations belie the artists' unwillingness to see their music as crossing lines of political disparity.
Meet the 4 Republicans who defied House Speaker Mike Johnson on ACA subsidies
Four moderate House Republicans -- from swing districts Democrats are already eyeing for next year's midterms -- have broken ranks with Speaker Mike Johnson, signing on to Democrats' petition to force a vote on extending health care subsidies that expire at the end of this year.
Trump says he and Mamdani will meet Friday in Washington, setting up clash of political opposites
President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that the long-awaited meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani would happen in Washington later this week, setting up an in-person clash between the political polar opposites who for months have antagonized each other from afar.
Trump cuts ties with 'Wacky' Marjorie Taylor Greene, once among his top MAGA-world defenders
President Donald Trump has publicly called it quits with one of his most stalwart MAGA-world supporters, calling Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene "'Wacky' Marjorie" and saying he would endorse a challenger against her in next year's midterms "if the right person runs."
Democrats set January deadline for states to apply for early 2028 primary contests
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Not even a year out from the last presidential election, the Democratic National Committee has begun setting up a framework for the party's next round of presidential primary elections, which could upend the early-voting calendar yet again.
JD Vance dismisses bipartisan outrage over racist and offensive Young Republican group chat
The public release of a Young Republican group chat that included racist language, jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be removed from or resign their positions.
AP reader question: How might the federal shutdown affect the economy?
Here's a question about the shutdown submitted by an Associated Press reader, Ryan S.:
AP reader question: Is it legal to fire furloughed federal workers during a shutdown?
Here's a question about the shutdown submitted by an Associated Press reader, G:
AP reader question: Do federal workers get paid during the government shutdown
Here's a question about the shutdown submitted by an Associated Press reader, John P.:
AP reader question: How does the shutdown affect National Guard troops?
Here's a question about the shutdown submitted by an Associated Press reader, Christian P.:
Trump administration blames Democrats for shutdown in official government warnings as deadline nears
HOUSTON (AP) -- With the first U.S. government shutdown in almost seven years looming, the Trump administration is using official government communications to blame Democrats and promote the president's policies.
Trump ramps up retribution campaign with push for Bondi to pursue cases against his foes
Eight months into his second term, President Donald Trump's long-standing pledge to take on those he perceives as his political enemies has prompted debates over free speech, media censorship and political prosecutions.
FCC taking steps that would allow US prisons to jam prisoners' cellphone signals
CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Federal officials on Friday said they are taking steps that will give state and federal prisons the right to jam the signals of cellphones smuggled to inmates, devices they argue allow prisoners to plot violence and carry out crimes.
Charles Bierbauer, longtime CNN correspondent and journalism dean, dies at age 83
CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Charles Bierbauer, former CNN White House correspondent and a past president of the White House Correspondents Association who later became dean of the University of South Carolina's journalism program, has died. He was 83.
South Carolina GOP governor hopefuls clamor to show Trump ties, as Evette launches race's first ad
CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is playing up her connection to President Donald Trump in the first TV campaign ad of a hotly contested gubernatorial race, highlighting the Republican candidates' heated pursuit of the president's backing in a state where his support remains high.
Takeaways from Justice Department interviews of Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell
In the hundreds of pages of transcripts from Justice Department interviews of Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein spoke glowingly of President Donald Trump, called him a "gentleman in all respects" and describing him as "friendly" with Epstein.
Obama applauds Newsom's California redistricting plan as 'responsible' as Texas GOP pushes new maps
Former President Barack Obama has waded into states' efforts at rare mid-decade redistricting efforts, saying he agrees with California Gov. Gavin Newsom's response to alter his state's congressional maps, in the way of Texas redistricting efforts promoted by President Donald Trump aimed at shoring up Republicans' position in next year's elections.
Bauer, South Carolina's former lieutenant governor, ends GOP primary challenge to Sen. Graham
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is suspending his GOP primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham, shuttering his effort to oust the four-term incumbent after just more than a month and eschewing a "political climate that rewards deception over honesty, or ambition over unity."
Trump honors Purple Heart recipients, including 3 who sent him medals after attempt on his life
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump recognized nearly 100 recipients of the Purple Heart at the White House on Thursday, including several service members who gave him their own medals after an attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.
Trump is honoring Purple Heart recipients, including 3 who sent him medals after attempt on his life
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is recognizing nearly 100 recipients of the Purple Heart at the White House on Thursday, including several service members who gave him their own medals after an attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.
Trump maintains influence over GOP and keeps potential successors vying for his favor
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Although President Donald Trump has not directly said he thinks JD Vance should be the heir to his "Make America Great Again" base of support, he acknowledged this week that his vice president is probably the favorite to succeed him "at this point."
Trump wields influence over GOP and keeps potential successors vying for his favor
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Although President Donald Trump has not directly said he thinks JD Vance should be the heir to his "Make America Great Again" base of support, he acknowledged this week that his vice president is probably the favorite to succeed him "at this point."
In his own words: Trump's comments over the past year on the jobs report
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In firing the head of the agency that produces monthly jobs figures, President Donald Trump alleged that the recent weaker-than-expected numbers were phony and that positive numbers reported before the 2024 election were manipulated to make him look bad.
Rep. Nancy Mace kicks off South Carolina GOP gubernatorial bid. She says she's 'Trump in high heels'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina is running for governor, entering a GOP primary in which competition for President Donald Trump's endorsement -- and the backing of his base of supporters -- is expected to be fierce.
More Trump administration figures who met Laura Loomer's ire are out. A look at her influence
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- President Donald Trump has downplayed the influence of Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur known for her incendiary social media presence, in his administration's decision-making.
Another Trump administration figure who met Laura Loomer's ire is out. A look at her influence
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- President Donald Trump has downplayed the influence of Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur known for her incendiary social media presence, in his administration's decision-making.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders tests political waters by headlining GOP event in early-voting South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is set to headline the latest iteration of an event previously billed as the largest annual gathering of Republicans in South Carolina, a state traditionally key to picking the GOP's presidential nominees, and one in which she already has deep relationships.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to headline signature South Carolina GOP event
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is set to headline the latest iteration of an event previously billed as the largest annual gathering of Republicans in South Carolina, a state traditionally key to picking the GOP's presidential nominees, and one in which she already has deep relationships.
Rep. Ralph Norman, among House's most conservative, set to enter South Carolina governor's race
CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Rep. Ralph Norman, among the most conservative Republicans in the U.S. House, is entering South Carolina's 2026 governor's race.
Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role
FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching a two-day tour of South Carolina on Tuesday, meeting voters across rural areas -- and some GOP strongholds -- in the early-voting state, the latest signal that the Democrat is eyeing a 2028 run for president.
Elon Musk says he's formed a new political party. But it's not clear if he actually has
Elon Musk has said that he's formed a new political party, but it's unclear what steps -- if any -- he's taken to do so, or how the effort might affect upcoming elections.
Lindsey Graham gets GOP primary challenge from Andre Bauer, South Carolina's former lieutenant gov
CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) -- Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is mounting a GOP primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham, arguing the incumbent isn't conservative enough to represent the state.
Musk proposes a new political party, Trump suggests DOGE 'might have to go back and eat Elon'
Elon Musk's feud with President Donald Trump -- and seemingly any congressional Republicans who support the president's massive tax cuts and spending package -- has reignited, with the tech billionaire threatening to launch a new political party, and Trump suggesting Musk could be punished for his opposition.