Trump to Travel to Myrtle Beach to Rally for Darline Graham
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-17 17:19:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump Intensifies Efforts to Influence South Carolina Senate Runoff
President Trump is ramping up his involvement in South Carolina’s competitive Senate runoff, traveling to Myrtle Beach on Friday to campaign for Senator Darline Graham, his chosen candidate to succeed the late Lindsey Graham. This visit is the latest in a series of actions by the president to sway the outcome of the special primary election following Mr. Graham’s unexpected death in July.
Trump’s Direct Intervention
At the urging of President Trump, Darline Graham—sister of the late senator—was appointed to the seat on an interim basis by Governor Henry McMaster. Trump has gone to significant lengths to boost Ms. Graham’s candidacy, including urging her appointment to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term, making her the state’s first female senator. He then gave her his endorsement in the crowded primary for a full six-year term, passing over longtime ally Representative Russell Fry.
After Ms. Graham finished first in the August 11 special primary but failed to avoid a runoff, Trump personally worked the phones to urge high-level officials, including Mr. Fry, to publicly support Ms. Graham. The president’s upcoming rally in Myrtle Beach, announced by the South Carolina Republican Party, is aimed at consolidating support among Fry’s voters as Ms. Graham faces Representative Ralph Norman, a congressman known for occasionally breaking from Trump’s agenda.
Fact-Check and Context
While the excerpt does not cite specific false claims or disparaging remarks by Trump regarding this race, it clearly documents his direct involvement and efforts to influence the outcome. Trump’s pattern of intervening in state-level races to support loyalists and sideline dissenters is well established, and this case fits that mold. The president’s actions—urging appointments, endorsements, and lobbying other officials—demonstrate his willingness to put his thumb on the scale in key elections.
Conclusion
President Trump’s hands-on approach in the South Carolina Senate runoff underscores his ongoing strategy to shape the Republican Party in his image. By backing Darline Graham and leveraging his influence over party officials and voters, Trump is once again making clear that loyalty to his agenda remains a central criterion for his support. As the runoff approaches, all eyes will be on whether Trump’s intervention will be decisive in this closely watched race.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/17/us/politics/south-carolina-senate-runoff-graham-norman-trump.html