Trump Lays It on the Line for Darline Graham Ahead of South Carolina Runoff
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-24 12:59:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump Ramps Up Pressure in South Carolina Senate Runoff, Stakes His Political Clout on Darline Graham
In the final days before South Carolina’s high-stakes Republican Senate runoff, President Trump has gone all-in for Senator Darline Graham, making personal calls to top state officials and rallying supporters in Myrtle Beach. Trump’s efforts include urging endorsements from influential figures and deploying his advisers’ super PAC, MAGA Inc., to fund get-out-the-vote text messages—an unusual move for the group this election cycle.
Trump’s credibility is on the line in a state that has recently rebuffed his preferences. Earlier this year, South Carolina’s Republican-led State Senate declined to advance a congressional map backed by Trump that would have eliminated the state’s only majority Black district. In June, voters dismissed Trump’s initial pick for governor, forcing him to make a late-stage second endorsement. With several high-profile losses in other states, Trump’s national endorsement record is under scrutiny, and a defeat for Graham would be a significant setback.
At a Myrtle Beach rally, Trump defended Graham’s lack of foreign policy experience, telling the crowd, “You know, she’s never done it before, but she knows politics well. But she loves our military; she loves things that have to do with greatness for America.” His remarks came after Graham admitted during a televised debate that she was “not that informed on national security,” a moment that drew criticism and skepticism from voters and local officials.
Despite Trump’s push, there is visible resistance among South Carolina’s Republican base to what some describe as “top-down” politics. State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, who backs Graham’s opponent Ralph Norman, dismissed the process as “inside establishment B.S.,” arguing that Graham’s candidacy was foisted on the state by the president and governor.
Trump’s aggressive involvement—calling Governor Henry McMaster and even reaching out to former critic Mark Sanford to seek endorsements for Graham—underscores the importance he places on this race. However, Sanford ultimately endorsed Norman, citing concerns about the nation’s financial direction.
As the runoff approaches, Trump’s heavy-handed approach is being tested in a state known for its independent-minded voters. The outcome will not only determine the Republican nominee but also serve as a referendum on Trump’s influence within the party and his ability to sway local races.
Conclusion
President Trump’s deep involvement in the South Carolina Senate runoff highlights both his determination to shape the Republican field and the limits of his political capital in a state with a tradition of resisting outside pressure. As voters head to the polls, the results will reveal whether Trump’s endorsement remains a decisive force—or if local skepticism prevails.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/us/politics/trump-graham-south-carolina-endorsement.html