Trump to Rally for Darline Graham Ahead of South Carolina Senate Runoff

President Donald Trump will campaign in South Carolina on Friday for Senate candidate Darline Graham, testing his political influence in a reliably Republican state just days before Tuesday’s primary runoff against Representative Ralph Norman.

Debate Stumble Raises Questions

The visit follows a rocky debate performance in which Graham admitted she lacked knowledge on national security issues, including questions about Taiwan and the South China Sea. Graham, who was appointed to the Senate seat after her brother, longtime Senator Lindsey Graham, passed away, defended her response as honesty rather than political posturing, arguing voters care more about everyday issues like cost of living and immigration.

A Contested Republican Primary

Trump’s endorsement of Graham has drawn criticism from some South Carolina Republicans, including former Governor Nikki Haley, who argue national security experience cannot simply be inherited. Norman, a longtime congressman, previously ran unsuccessfully for governor. The two candidates emerged from a crowded primary field earlier this month, with Graham narrowly leading but falling short of a majority. The runoff winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November, with Republicans favored to retain the seat.