There’s a power struggle brewing in South Carolina, and Trump might not win
Politics — 2026-07-21 03:45:00 — www.politico.com
Trump’s Endorsement Faces New Scrutiny in South Carolina Senate Race
President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Sen. Darline Graham, appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham’s seat, has upended the South Carolina Senate race and exposed new doubts about the power of his backing within the state’s Republican Party.
Trump’s support for Graham, a political newcomer, was initially expected to clear the field. However, several prominent Republicans—including Rep. Russell Fry and Rep. Ralph Norman—are moving forward with their own campaigns, signaling that a Trump endorsement may no longer be the decisive factor it once was.
Trump’s endorsement record in South Carolina is under particular scrutiny after his chosen candidate for governor, Pam Evette, lost her primary despite his backing. The article notes that Trump’s picks have also lost in recent Iowa and Georgia gubernatorial races, challenging the perception of his invincibility in GOP primaries.
Within the state, Trump’s intervention has sparked skepticism. CJ Westfall, chair of the Dorchester County GOP, described a shift in sentiment: while many were initially pleased with Graham’s appointment as a tribute to her brother, “once we saw the president jump in and support her, 95 percent are saying, ‘What the hell are we doing here? We don’t know how she votes. We don’t know what she believes.’” This skepticism is echoed by other party officials, who note that Graham’s lack of public record and the surprise surrounding her decision to seek a full term have left many Republicans uneasy.
Despite these concerns, all major Republican candidates in the race continue to align themselves with Trump’s agenda, highlighting the continued dominance of the MAGA movement in South Carolina. Fry’s campaign, for example, emphasized its commitment to “advance the President’s agenda and deliver real results for South Carolina families.”
The race is further complicated by questions over Graham’s eligibility under new state GOP rules and the compressed campaign calendar, which may favor candidates with established political machinery.
Trump’s endorsement power, once seen as a near-guarantee of primary victory, is now being put to the test in a state where even his allies are willing to challenge his chosen candidate. The outcome of this race will serve as a key indicator of whether Trump’s influence over Republican primaries remains as strong as ever—or if it is beginning to wane in the face of local skepticism and recent electoral setbacks.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/21/south-carolina-trump-graham-test-01005834