President Donald Trump is heading to South Carolina on Friday to campaign for Darline Graham, his preferred candidate in the Republican Senate runoff. Graham faces Rep. Ralph Norman on Tuesday for the GOP nomination to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. Trump’s decision to campaign in person underscores the importance he places on the race, particularly as Republicans prepare for midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.
Trump Makes Last-Minute Push for Darline Graham
Trump will appear with Graham at a rally in Myrtle Beach just days before Republican voters choose between her and Norman. The president has backed Graham from the beginning of her campaign. After Lindsey Graham's death, Trump urged Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint Darline Graham as an interim senator and later publicly encouraged her to run for the full term. Trump wrote "RUN DARLINE, RUN" on social media and gave her his "Complete and Total Endorsement" before she officially launched her campaign. He also held a tele-rally for Graham on the eve of the primary two weeks ago.
Why Trump Is Investing in the Race
South Carolina is firmly Republican territory, making the state a favorable place for Trump to campaign ahead of the broader midterm fight. Republicans hold nearly all of the state's congressional seats, and the state has not elected a Democrat statewide in decades. Trump's own performance in South Carolina's 2016 Republican presidential primary helped propel his campaign toward the nomination. The Myrtle Beach rally also gives Trump a chance to campaign in a part of the state known for its conservative voters and rapid population growth.
Darline Graham Casts Herself as an Outsider
Graham entered the Senate race as a political newcomer and has repeatedly told voters that she is "not a politician." She has highlighted her previous leadership of a state agency and her brief time serving in the Senate as evidence that she can take on the job. Her campaign has also emphasized her close alignment with Trump. Graham says she wants to advance Trump's priorities, including border security and the SAVE Act voting bill. She has also focused heavily on everyday economic concerns, including gasoline prices and household spending.
Graham Faces Questions After Taiwan Debate Gaffe
Graham's campaign has faced scrutiny after she struggled with a foreign policy question about Taiwan during a recent debate. Asked about the issue, Graham said national security was not her area of expertise and defended herself as "not a polished politician." Trump has not publicly commented on the episode. The incident has added another dimension to a campaign in which Graham has emphasized her outsider status and close relationship with the president.
Lindsey Graham's Death Adds a Personal Dimension
The race is also deeply personal for Trump because of his longtime relationship with Lindsey Graham. The two men were political rivals during the 2016 presidential campaign and experienced periods of disagreement, but Trump also considered the South Carolina senator a close ally and friend. Trump attended Lindsey Graham's funeral at Washington National Cathedral last month and had described him as a longtime golfing partner and trusted adviser. Darline Graham's candidacy has therefore combined Trump's political support with a personal connection to the family.
Ralph Norman Remains the Final Republican Challenger
Graham and Norman emerged as the two candidates competing for the Republican nomination. The winner of Tuesday's runoff will become the GOP nominee for the November election. Rep. Russell Fry, whose South Carolina district includes Myrtle Beach, finished third in the Republican primary and quickly endorsed Graham. Trump had previously mentioned Fry as a possible replacement for Lindsey Graham, but Fry did not receive the president's backing in the Senate contest. His endorsement could give Graham another important Republican ally as she heads into the final days of the runoff.
What Comes Next
Trump will campaign alongside Graham in Myrtle Beach on Friday, with the Republican runoff scheduled for Tuesday. The immediate test is whether Trump's endorsement and late campaign push can deliver Graham the GOP nomination over Norman. A victory would put Trump's preferred candidate in position to compete in the November election for a full Senate term.
FAQ
When is the South Carolina Republican Senate runoff?
The Republican Senate runoff is scheduled for Tuesday, with Darline Graham facing Rep. Ralph Norman.
Who is Donald Trump supporting in the South Carolina Senate race?
Trump is supporting Darline Graham, the former state agency leader and interim senator who is seeking the Republican nomination.
Why is Trump campaigning for Darline Graham?
Trump has strongly endorsed Graham and has urged her to run for the Senate seat following the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Who is Darline Graham running against?
Darline Graham is competing against Rep. Ralph Norman in the Republican runoff.
Why is the South Carolina Senate race important?
The winner of the Republican runoff will become the party's nominee for the November Senate election. The contest also gives Trump an opportunity to demonstrate his influence over Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections.
