President Trump Endorses Darline Graham During South Carolina Campaign Event

President Donald Trump attended a campaign event in South Carolina on Friday, August 21, 2026, where he endorsed Senator Darline Graham. Trump praised Graham’s commitment to affordability and military support during the event held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Graham is running in the upcoming GOP state primary, succeeding her late brother Lindsey Graham, and expressed her gratitude to Trump for his backing.

In South Carolina and Oklahoma, Trump’s influence in Republican primaries is being tested in statewide runoff elections. He has thrown his support behind Senator Darline Graham in South Carolina and former state budget secretary Mike Mazzei in Oklahoma.

Graham faces a competitive contest against conservative Representative Ralph Norman in South Carolina. Both candidates advanced to the runoff after failing to secure a majority in a special Senate primary that included Representative Russell Fry and former governor Mark Sanford. Trump urged voters to support Graham during a rally in Myrtle Beach, emphasizing the importance of voting.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who appointed Graham to fulfill her brother’s Senate term, has also endorsed her. She has garnered support from Fry, a Trump ally, and Senator Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Representative Norman has showcased his support for Trump while questioning his endorsement of Graham. Norman has also received backing from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Mark Sanford, who emphasized the nation’s debt issues.

Trump’s endorsements have had mixed results in South Carolina, with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette losing a runoff despite receiving Trump’s support. The endorsements have become a referendum on Trump’s influence, according to a Republican consultant.

In Oklahoma, Mazzei and Attorney General Gentner Drummond are in a runoff, with the winner expected to be favored in the general election.

Trump boasts a strong endorsement scorecard, although five of his gubernatorial picks have underperformed. Despite losses, Trump’s grip on the GOP remains firm, although underlying issues can pose challenges even with his backing, as noted by GOP strategist Ryan Williams.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, two Democrats are competing in a special election to fill a congressional seat left vacant by the late Democratic Rep. David Scott’s death. The finalists include Everton Blair and Marcye Scott, the congressman’s daughter.