Republican congressman’s defeat in US primaries reveals modern party culture: are you Trump enough?
Mark Sanford was beaten in South Carolina by Katie Arrington, who repeatedly highlighted his past criticism of President Donald Trump
Don’t cross President Donald Trump. That’s the lesson many Republicans are drawing from Representative Mark Sanford’s surprise defeat on Tuesday in his primary election in South Carolina. The victor, state Representative Katie Arrington, repeatedly highlighted Sanford’s criticism of the president.
The outcome is a cautionary tale for Republicans in Congress who try to work with Trump while also maintaining their independence. One wrong turn – or in Sanford’s case, many – and they could face the wrath of a president who is quick to attack detractors as enemies, even in his own party.
“That’s ultimately what the race devolved down to, which was, was I Trump enough?” Sanford told reporters on Capitol Hill.
“It’s a very tribal environment right now,” he said. “Are you for or against Trump?”
He said he hoped his defeat would not dissuade other members from speaking out against Trump. Agreeing to disagree is “a sign of health in our political system”.
Sanford is the second incumbent House Republican to lose a primary this year, though the defeat of Representative Robert Pittenger in North Carolina came despite his staunch support for the president.