Full Breakdown
Trump rally in Myrtle Beach prompts South Carolina GOP to postpone Senate stump stop
8/19/2026, 4:12:14 AM
Core Event: Rally and stump-stop postponement
President Donald Trump is slated to appear at a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach on Friday, the day the South Carolina Republican Party had scheduled a U.S. Senate runoff stump stop at the Anderson County Civic Center. To avoid a one-sided event, party officials announced the stump stop will be rescheduled so that both runoff candidates—Sen. Darline Graham and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman—can attend.
Background & Context
The special primary left Graham and Norman as the top vote-getters, triggering a runoff on August 25. Graham, appointed after the July 11 death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, received Trump’s endorsement early in the campaign. Rep. Russell Fry also endorsed Graham and urged supporters to back her on August 25. The runoff winner will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Timeline
- July 11: Sen. Lindsey Graham dies; President Trump begins publicly supporting Darline Graham.
- Early August: Primary election held; Graham secures 32.7 % of the vote, enough to advance.
- Friday (date of rally): Trump’s Myrtle Beach rally scheduled; SC GOP postpones Anderson County stump stop.
- Tuesday (following week): Party-hosted debate between Graham and Norman at the Newberry Opera House.
- August 25: Runoff election to determine the Republican Senate nominee.
Data & Statistics
- Graham captured 32.7 % of the primary vote, according to Bloomberg Government.
- Early voting runs from Wednesday through Friday preceding the August 25 runoff, with polls open 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. each day.
Official Statements & Responses
SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick said the party’s “stump stops” are meant to give voters direct access to both candidates, so the event cannot proceed with only one present. The party is working to identify a new date and location that accommodates both campaigns.
Sen. Darline Graham expressed enthusiasm for Trump’s visit, noting his “complete and total endorsement” and emphasizing her commitment to South Carolinians’ priorities in the Senate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From the beginning, the purpose of these Stump Stops has been to give Republican voters across South Carolina the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates,” — SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick
- “We want to give both sides a voice, and we are not going to hold a Stump Stop where only one of the two candidates can participate. We are working to find another date that gives both candidates that opportunity.” — The SCGOP
What's Next
The South Carolina Republican Party will hold a televised debate between Graham and Norman on Tuesday evening at the Newberry Opera House. Early voting will commence the week before the August 25 runoff, after which the victor will face Dr. Annie Andrews in the November general election. The party will announce a new date for the postponed Anderson County stump stop once both candidates can attend.
