Trump campaigns in South Carolina for Darline Graham ahead of Senate runoff

President Donald Trump arrived in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday to back interim Senator Darline Graham, the late Lindsey Graham’s sister, as she seeks the Republican nomination in a runoff scheduled for Tuesday. Voters will choose between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman to appear on the November ballot.

Graham addressed a crowd of several thousand at the convention center, emphasizing her modest upbringing working in her parents’ store and her experience leading a state agency. > "I am many things: a problem solver, a mother, a leader, but I am not a career politician," she said, adding that she would bring South Carolina’s conservative values to Washington.

Governor Henry McMaster, who appointed Graham to fill the vacant seat, formally endorsed her hours before the rally. The governor had previously indicated that the appointment was made at Trump’s suggestion, describing it as a “fabulous tribute to Lindsey.”

Trump has repeatedly highlighted his “complete and total endorsement” of Graham on social media and during a recent tele-rally. He told reporters that Graham was “being honest” about her limited foreign-policy knowledge but affirmed that she “is totally for the military” and is surrounded by “very good people.”

The campaign narrative positions Graham as an outsider aligned with Trump’s agenda, focusing on issues such as border security, the SAVE Act voting bill, gas prices and household spending. She has acknowledged a recent misstep on a Taiwan-related question, describing herself as “not a polished politician up here.”

The Myrtle Beach event targets a rapidly growing, strongly conservative part of the state that has historically supported Republican candidates. The rally also underscores Trump’s personal connection to the late Lindsey Graham, whom he eulogized last month at the National Cathedral.