South Carolina could give Trump a revitalizing win — or his most embarrassing loss
Politics — 2026-08-25 04:00:00 — www.politico.com
Trump Frames South Carolina Senate Primary as Referendum on His Influence
Donald Trump has cast the upcoming South Carolina GOP Senate primary as a direct test of his political power, urging voters at a recent rally to “pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot.” The president’s involvement in the race to help Sen. Darline Graham defeat Rep. Ralph Norman marks one of his most significant investments of time and resources this midterm cycle.
Trump’s All-In Support
Trump’s support for Graham has been unusually intense. Not only did he encourage her to run for a full term, but he also held a rare in-person rally and directed substantial financial resources to her campaign. According to a Federal Election Commission report, Trump’s super PAC spent $827,000 on text messages and phone calls for Graham—one of the largest single expenditures by MAGA Inc. this cycle.
A Referendum on Trump
Trump has openly described the race as a referendum on himself, making his personal political capital central to Graham’s campaign. At the Myrtle Beach rally, he told supporters to act as if his own name were on the ballot, highlighting the stakes for his reputation. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed his “Endorsements are stronger than ever,” while also conceding that his influence is not absolute: “The few that lost were done out of loyalty. It was almost impossible for them to win but, I felt obligated to go with them because they were, in my opinion, good people!”
The Stakes and the Risks
If Graham loses despite Trump’s backing, it would be a major embarrassment for the president, especially after a string of defeats for Trump-endorsed candidates in other states. The outcome will be closely watched as a measure of Trump’s sway over the Republican base, particularly given Graham’s lack of political experience and the heavy investment from Trump’s camp.
Conclusion
Trump’s decision to make the South Carolina Senate primary a personal referendum underscores his ongoing effort to demonstrate control over the Republican Party. The results will not only affect the candidates involved but will also serve as a barometer for Trump’s enduring influence as the party heads into the general election season.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/25/trump-test-darline-graham-south-carolina-01048663