On Friday, former President Donald Trump held a rally at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in South Carolina to support Sen. Darline Graham, the appointed successor to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The event came as the Republican runoff between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman approaches, a contest that will test the weight of Trump’s endorsement in a state where the GOP hopes to protect its congressional majorities in the November midterms.
Trump’s message to voters
Trump described Graham as a “very special person” and urged attendees to “pretend” he is on the ballot, arguing that Republican turnout drops when he is not listed. “The problem we have is they say Trump does great when he’s on the ballot. But when he’s not on the ballot, his people don’t come, and they don’t vote for senators, congressmen and other Republicans,” he said, imploring supporters to treat his endorsement as a proxy for his own candidacy.
Local focus and policy points
During the 80‑minute speech, Trump mentioned Graham nearly fifty times, emphasizing her commitment to lower living costs, such as the price of a loaf of bread, and her support for a strong military. He contrasted her approach with that of her late brother, noting that while Lindsey Graham focused on foreign affairs, Darline Graham would prioritize affordability for South Carolinians.
Trump also touched on broader issues, blaming inflation on Democratic policies, promising lower gas prices, and suggesting his economic approval numbers should be near 100 %. He referenced a recent CNN poll showing 65 % of Americans believed his policies had worsened the economy, but framed the data as a temporary setback.
Campaign dynamics
The rally highlighted the division within South Carolina’s Republican ranks. While some GOP leaders, such as former Gov. Mark Sanford, have thrown their support behind Norman, Trump’s team has been actively reaching out to Graham’s opponents. After Graham’s first‑place finish in the August 11 primary, Trump reportedly called Rep. Russell Fry, who subsequently endorsed Graham.
Despite a recent debate gaffe in which Graham said national security was “not my thing,” Trump defended her honesty, saying he appreciated her candid answer. He also avoided naming Norman directly, framing the runoff as a choice between Graham and a Democratic victory in November.
Local reactions
Attendees expressed mixed feelings. Myrtle Beach resident Tammy Botting said she initially was not planning to vote for Graham, but Trump’s endorsement prompted her to research the candidates and ultimately choose Graham. Jeff Ross, another local, said Trump’s backing “makes a big difference,” while his friend Leonard remained skeptical, noting that many in the area are “free thinkers” who will decide for themselves.
Trump concluded the event by reiterating his personal connection to the Graham family, stating he was there to honor his late friend Lindsey Graham and that he did not have to be present on a Friday. He finished with a final appeal for supporters to turn out, reminding them that his presence on the ballot drives voter participation.
What’s next
The runoff is scheduled for Tuesday, and both campaigns will continue to court voters in the final weeks before the primary. With Trump’s endorsement now in play, the race is expected to draw heightened attention from state and national Republican operatives as they seek to secure the seat and maintain the GOP’s hold on South Carolina’s Senate delegation.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
