MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – President Donald Trump is set to visit South Carolina on Friday, making a critical appeal for Sen. Darline Graham, his endorsed candidate to succeed her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. This visit comes just days before a Republican runoff election on Tuesday, where voters will decide between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman for the GOP nomination to appear on the November ballot.
The rally in Myrtle Beach marks a notable moment for Trump, who has engaged less frequently in campaign rallies this election cycle compared to past midterms. It underscores the significance he attributes to securing a victory for his chosen candidate. South Carolina, a state with a long history of Republican dominance, last elected a Democrat statewide decades ago, and Trump’s previous primary win here was pivotal in his rise to the presidency.
The special Republican primary was called following Lindsey Graham’s sudden passing last month. Governor Henry McMaster, a close ally of Trump, appointed Darline Graham as the interim senator. Trump has publicly supported her candidacy, framing her potential election as a tribute to Lindsey Graham. The president had encouraged McMaster to appoint her shortly after her brother’s death, emphasizing the symbolic nature of her candidacy.
Trump’s endorsement was solidified early on, with the president expressing his “Complete and Total Endorsement” on social media before Graham officially announced her campaign. Throughout her campaign, she has consistently highlighted this endorsement as a key element of her candidacy, committing to advance Trump’s policy agenda if elected.
While Trump and Graham share a political alliance, the visit holds personal significance for Trump, who regarded Lindsey Graham as a close friend and ally. Trump eulogized his longtime golfing partner at a memorial service, underlining the emotional weight of this election for him.
As a newcomer to politics, Darline Graham has positioned herself as an outsider, emphasizing her lack of political experience while touting her leadership in a state agency. She has consistently advocated for Trump’s priorities, pledging to fight for his agenda, including key issues like border security and voting rights.
Graham has focused on everyday concerns for voters, such as gas prices and household expenses, rather than delving deeply into foreign policy. Recently, she faced criticism for a misstep regarding U.S. interests in Taiwan, where she stated, “National security is not my thing,” a comment that has drawn attention but has not been publicly addressed by Trump.
The Myrtle Beach rally represents an opportunity for both Trump and Graham to connect with a rapidly growing conservative base in the region, which has shown strong loyalty to the former president. This area also includes Rep. Russell Fry, a Trump ally who previously sought to replace Lindsey Graham but ultimately endorsed Darline Graham following his third-place finish in the special primary.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of the runoff, which could significantly impact the Republican landscape in South Carolina and beyond.
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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP
