Full Breakdown
Trump’s Late-Stage Campaign Blitz Targets Tight Senate Races in South Carolina and Kansas
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Oct 21, 2026 President Donald Trump rallied at Clemson’s T. Ed Garrison Arena for interim Republican Senator Darline Graham. The appearance came less than two weeks before the Nov 3, 2026 midterm election and followed a Kansas stop on Oct 19, 2026 for Senator Roger Marshall. Both races are unusually competitive for traditionally Republican states.
Background & Context
Senator Lindsey Graham died in July 2026, leading Governor Henry McMaster to appoint his sister, Darline Graham, to the seat. Trump endorsed her and earlier signed a law waiving sanctions on Russia to allow diesel imports aimed at lowering U.S. fuel prices.
Timeline
- July 2026 – Lindsey Graham’s death; Darline Graham appointed.
- Oct 1, 2026 – Outside Republican groups have spent $9.7 million on the South Carolina race; Democratic spending totals $240,000 in neighboring North Carolina.
- Oct 19, 2026 – Trump appears at a Kansas rally for Roger Marshall.
- Oct 21, 2026 – Trump rallies in South Carolina for Darline Graham.
- Nov 3, 2026 – Election day.
Data & Statistics
- Reuters/Ipsos poll shows 31 % approval of Trump’s performance, a record low.
- NewsNation Decision Desk poll: Graham leads Democrat Annie Andrews 46.2 % to 43.9 %; Reuters/Ipsos calls the race “about even.”
- Kansas polls indicate a narrow race between Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton, with a slight Democratic edge reported.
- Senate Leadership Fund contributed $5 million to the South Carolina race; total Republican spending exceeds $22.5 million, Democrats $17.1 million.
Official Statements & Responses
- Darline Graham told the Associated Press she “doesn’t trust Putin” and prefers pressure on Russia to lower fuel costs.
- President Trump argued that “Ukraine has to want to settle this war.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Ted Cruz (R-TX) called the diesel deal “a mistake” that “benefits Putin.”
- Thom Tillis (R-NC) described the action as “unconscionable.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ukraine has to want to settle this war,” — Donald Trump
- “Personally, I would choose to put the pressure on Russia to end the war and get gas prices down because I don’t trust Putin and I don’t trust Russia,” — Darline Graham
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Polls differ: NewsNation shows Graham ahead 46.2 %–43.9 %, while Reuters/Ipsos says the contest is “about even.”
- Trump’s approval is reported as 31 %, but other outlets cite a “record low” without a specific figure.
What’s Next
Early voting in South Carolina ends on Oct 31, 2026. Trump will hold additional rallies in Iowa, Florida, Georgia and Michigan before the Nov 3, 2026 midterms.