Trump’s Support Boosts Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate Runoff

President Donald Trump has given a significant boost to Senator Darline Graham by mobilizing resources for her campaign. MAGA Inc., associated with Trump’s advisers, invested nearly $830,000 in text messages and calls to voters just before South Carolina’s Republican U.S. Senate runoff. Federal campaign finance documents show the heavy spending to support Graham’s efforts.

Darline Graham, sister to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, competes against U.S. Representative Ralph Norman for the GOP nomination. Despite the tight contest, Graham expressed optimism, stating, “It’s going to be close, but we feel good.”

Unlike previous primaries, MAGA Inc.’s involvement is noteworthy as it has typically avoided funding this year’s primary races. Pressured by Senate Republicans, Trump’s team responded by backing the president’s endorsed candidates.

After a rally on Friday in Myrtle Beach, Trump urged support for Graham, calling her the “perfect person” to continue her brother’s legacy. During a tele-rally Monday, Trump emphasized his role in encouraging Graham to enter the race and affirmed her suitability.

Criticism arose after Graham expressed that national security “is not my thing” during a debate concerning U.S. interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea. Defending her stance, Graham compared herself to Trump, citing shared outsider status, “I’m not a politician—and I’m proud of that,” she stated on Fox & Friends. Trump backed her truthful statement, highlighting her focus on domestic affordability.

Trump supporter Patrick Casale explained that the endorsement was partly due to Trump’s friendship with Lindsey Graham. He suggested Graham holds promise due to her connection with Trump and her familiar political surname.

Casale appreciated Graham’s honest debate response, predicting her advancement to the November ballot. He noted that while a Norman win may not be problematic for Trump or Senator Rick Scott, Trump’s support stems from loyalty to Lindsey Graham.

Kalshi traders estimated Graham had a 67 percent probability of winning the runoff, while Norman had 33 percent. Norman spent the final campaign day in Greenville County, a critical voting region that typically defies recent frontrunners. Although it supported Norman earlier, it rejected Lindsey Graham in the June primary.

Norman showcased his record aligning with Trump’s agenda but criticized Graham’s backing by the “Washington elite.” Attempts to reach Graham and Norman’s campaign offices outside regular business hours were not successful. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Democrats have not secured a statewide office in South Carolina since 2006.

Polls will close at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday. The outcome will indicate the strength of Trump’s endorsements as Graham follows in her brother’s footsteps against a known rival.