Oklahoma Begins Choosing a New US Senator and Governor in Crowded Primary
Hello and welcome to the live blog.
Races for the Senate and governor in Oklahoma commence today with primary elections, marking a significant moment as Donald Trump’s strong influence over the Republican party faces a new challenge.
In advance of November’s midterm elections, former President Trump has extended his early endorsement to Kevin Hern for the US Senate seat formerly held by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in this deeply conservative state.
Hern has successfully deterred other major contenders in Oklahoma, a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1990, according to reports from the Associated Press.
However, a more substantial test of Trump’s sway—which has generally been effective in Republican primaries this year—may arise in the crowded race to replace outgoing Governor Kevin Stitt.
Last month, Trump endorsed former state senator Mike Mazzei, entering the primary late, which includes several prominent Oklahoma Republicans. Among the candidates are Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, and Chip Keating, the state’s former public safety director.
This crowded field increases the likelihood of an August runoff election if no candidate secures at least 50% of the vote.
US-Iran Memo of Understanding and Strait of Hormuz Developments
The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that allows 60 days to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The specific terms of this agreement have not been publicly disclosed.
Vice President JD Vance described the 1.5-page MOU as a
“very general document”with details expected to be finalized in the upcoming weeks of negotiation.
The future status of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. US officials have issued conflicting statements regarding the timeline for reopening the strait fully. Former President Trump asserted that by the end of the week it
“will be completely open,”whereas other officials suggest that it may take longer for maritime traffic to return to conditions resembling those before the conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei informed reporters that Iran might continue to impose fees for passage through the strait.
G7 Summit and Political Developments
Trump is currently in Évian-les-Bains, France, attending the G7 summit, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks support from world leaders to find a resolution to his country’s four-year conflict.
Zelenskyy held discussions ahead of the G7 meeting, which is also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In domestic political news, California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused Trump of directing the US Department of Justice to investigate him and his wife.
Newsom, a leading Democrat, tweeted that Trump is targeting him because he is contemplating a presidential run.
