Trump’s Last-Minute Support for Darline Graham in Senate Runoff

President Donald Trump made a last-minute effort to support Senator Darline Graham, pouring a significant sum into her campaign on the eve of South Carolina’s Republican U.S. Senate runoff. MAGA Inc., Trump’s super PAC, spent over $827,000 on communication efforts, including text messages and phone calls to voters. This investment is noted as the PAC had largely avoided funding primary candidates this year.

The Trump-endorsed Graham, who is the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, is up against U.S. Representative Ralph Norman in the fight for the GOP nomination. Trump labeled Graham as the ‘perfect person’ to continue her brother’s legacy during a tele-rally on Monday. ‘I asked her to do it,’ Trump said, underlining his commitment to Graham’s campaign.

Graham has faced criticism for her comments on national security, when she admitted during an August debate that it was ‘not my thing’. Nevertheless, she defended her background, likening herself to Trump, who was ‘not a politician’ at the start of his political career. Trump supported Graham’s honest admission and noted her focus on affordability.

Patrick Casale, a Trump supporter, highlighted Trump’s endorsement as a tribute to Lindsey Graham. He acknowledged that Graham could bring fresh perspectives and emphasized the potential rapport she could have with Trump. Casale also expressed appreciation for her candor about foreign policy.

At the time of reporting, traders had given Graham a 67 percent chance of success in the runoff. Her opponent, Ralph Norman, is known in Greenville County, a critical voting area, which he previously carried in a gubernatorial primary. Norman has campaigned on his congressional record, aligning himself with Trump’s agenda, and painted Graham as inexperienced.

The winner of the Republican runoff will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the upcoming November election. South Carolina has not seen a Democrat win a statewide office since 2006. The polls will close at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, with the outcome set to reveal the strength of Trump’s endorsement in this primary battle.