President Trump Backs Darline Graham Ahead of South Carolina Senate Runoff

President Trump is extending his support to Senator Darline Graham.

In the weeks before the Tuesday runoff, Trump traveled to Myrtle Beach to rally supporters and personally urged senior state officials to endorse Ms. Graham. His advisory super PAC, MAGA Inc., which has been cautious about spending in this cycle, funded text messages urging potential voters to back her.

The stakes involve Trump’s credibility in a state that has twice rejected his preferred candidates in the past six months. In June, voters rejected his initial pick for governor, leading him to issue a second endorsement in the final days. Earlier this year, the Republican‑controlled State Senate declined to adopt a new congressional map championed by Trump and other national Republicans, a proposal that would have removed South Carolina’s sole majority‑Black district currently represented by a Democrat.

With several notable defeats in other states, Trump’s record of high‑profile endorsements is also on the line. Having promoted Ms. Graham more vigorously than most contenders, a loss for her would represent a significant setback for him.

Ms. Graham is contesting the seat with Representative Ralph Norman, a hard‑line conservative who has at times irritated the president, for a full six‑year term after Senator Lindsey Graham’s death in July. The victor will face Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee, in November.

A veteran disability services administrator, Ms. Graham had no prior elected experience until the governor appointed her to fill the remainder of her brother’s Senate term. On August 11, she topped a crowded special primary, buoyed by Trump’s endorsement and a campaign emphasizing continuity with her brother’s popular initiatives, including retaining his staff and adhering to the president’s wishes. However, in the election’s final week, political momentum has turned against her.

During the sole televised debate of the runoff last week, Ms. Graham faltered when asked about Taiwan’s significance to U.S. interests, acknowledging she knew little about national security. The day before, her home‑county Republican party chapter endorsed Mr. Norman. While Trump’s rally in Myrtle Beach on Friday drew a modest crowd, many attendees appeared unconvinced about Ms. Graham.

“She’s never held office before, but she understands politics well,” Trump said at the Friday rally. “She’s a strong supporter of our military and of America’s greatness.”

Voters across the state voiced skepticism this past week, saying they sensed that Washington insiders, including the president, were attempting to dictate their choice for senator.

“This is pure establishment nonsense,” said state treasurer Curtis Loftis, a Norman supporter, regarding Ms. Graham’s campaign. “She was urged by the president and then by the governor, and it’s been thrust upon her.”

Neither Ms. Graham’s nor Mr. Norman’s campaigns, nor MAGA Inc. officials, responded promptly to inquiries about the race.

South Carolina has a tradition of resisting top‑down politics. In 2018, Lieutenant Governor Henry McMaster, with Trump’s backing, was compelled into a gubernatorial runoff against a 39‑year‑old political outsider.

Ms. Graham has secured endorsements from several of South Carolina’s most influential officials, aided in part by Trump. Senator Tim Scott, head of the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, has been a vocal supporter. Representative Russell Fry, who faced her in the July primary, backed her after Trump’s request. McMaster, who initially stayed silent, endorsed her on the day Trump arrived for his rally.

The president spoke with McMaster earlier in the week, according to individuals familiar with the call.

He also called former South Carolina governor and congressman Mark Sanford, who has been openly critical of Trump, urging him to endorse Ms. Graham. On the day of Trump’s visit, Sanford endorsed Mr. Norman, stating in a detailed statement that, “while I value tradition and old friendships, the stakes are simply too high as our nation faces a financial tipping point.”

On the campaign trail, Mr. Norman frequently highlights his endorsements from Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah, both of whom are celebrated by the party’s conservative base for challenging leadership.

Rob Godfrey, a veteran South Carolina Republican strategist, noted that primary voters in the state are generally well‑informed and keen to decide for themselves at the ballot box.

“Our voters don’t always follow advice from other politicians, regardless of office, about whom to support,” Godfrey said. “Both candidates have many endorsements, yet our voters are highly informed, having met numerous candidates in person, taken their own agency seriously at the ballot box, and expect to personally know the individual they ultimately back.”

Over the weekend, both candidates visited local restaurants and held town‑hall meetings to greet South Carolinians personally. On Monday night, hours before Election Day, Ms. Graham will take part in a virtual rally with one of her most fervent supporters, Trump, a step her opponent cannot match.

Shawn McCreesh contributed reporting.

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