Full Breakdown
Trump Backs Darline Graham as South Carolina Senate Runoff Looms
8/25/2026, 2:10:12 AM
Core Event
President Donald Trump campaigned in Myrtle Beach, urging Republican voters to support Sen. Darline Graham in Tuesday’s runoff for South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat. Graham, appointed after her brother Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death, faces Rep. Ralph Norman for a full six-year term.
Background & Context
Graham, a political newcomer, won a crowded special primary in August with Trump’s endorsement and pledged to keep her brother’s staff and policy positions. The runoff pits her against Norman, a longtime Freedom Caucus member whose age and perceived wavering loyalty to Trump have become campaign issues.
Official Statements & Responses
Criticism & Opposition
- Voter Roger, wearing a “DARK MAGA” shirt, said Trump’s endorsement did not sway him after Graham’s unclear response on Taiwan.
- Glenda Clinkscales, a self-identified Trump supporter, called Graham’s foreign-policy answer “really unclear.”
- Lynn Spivey said she would follow Trump’s endorsement despite limited knowledge of the platforms.
- State Rep. Shannon Erickson argued critics focus on what Graham “didn’t know” rather than her record.
- Mark Stokes, owner of Bay Street Jewelers, suggested Graham’s experience behind her brother’s office may be undervalued.
Data & Statistics
- A super PAC run by Trump advisers, MAGA Inc., spent more than $800,000 on phone calls for Graham, according to filings.
- MAGA Inc. also allocated $830,000 to text messages and voter-phone calls supporting her candidacy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now the critics say I shouldn’t run for the Senate. They say I’m not a politician. You know what I say? Guilty as charged,” — Sen. Darline Graham
- “I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not on national security, that I’m not that informed on national security. But I do support the military,” — Sen. Darline Graham
What’s Next
The runoff on Tuesday will decide whether Graham secures a full Senate term or Norman retains the seat. Voter turnout among Trump’s base and reactions to Graham’s debate performance are expected to be decisive.
