Graham Nordone Aligns Campaign Ads with Trump on Sports and SAVE America Issues
Senator Darline Graham Nordone released a series of ads echoing Donald Trump’s messages on women’s sports and the SAVE America Act ahead of the South Carolina Republican runoff.
Senator Darline Graham Nordone, appointed after her brother’s death, launched a slate of television spots that championed keeping men out of women’s sports and backed the SAVE America Act, directly echoing President Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric. At a Myrtle Beach rally, Trump lambasted Democrats over voting requirements and transgender policies, reinforcing the themes the senator now promotes. Graham Nordone’s ads also featured her touring FN America’s firearms plant to underscore her Second Amendment stance.
The messaging comes after a debate where she was criticized for lacking a clear foreign-policy position and was portrayed by opponents as an undefined candidate reliant on her family name. With the Republican runoff approaching, the ads aim to differentiate her from Rep. Ralph Norman and position her against Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Why it matters
The ads show how a Senate candidate is leveraging national party messaging to shape a local primary race.
How this story developed
- Aug 8 GOP Senate Primary in South Carolina Narrows as Candidates Trade Poll Leads
- Aug 14 Rep. Russell Fry announced his endorsement of Darline Graham.
- Aug 17 Nikki Haley announced support for Norman, breaking with President Trump's backing of Graham Nordone.
- Aug 17 Rep. Warren Davidson posted on X that Sen. Darline Graham is aligned with the political establishment, as she prepares for a runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman.
- Aug 19 The candidates faced off in a televised debate at the Newberry Opera House.
- Aug 19 Graham’s debate comments have become a focal point in the runoff campaign.
- Aug 19 Ralph Norman secured the Republican Senate nomination, ending Darline Graham’s campaign.
- Aug 20 Graham told “Hannity” that many voters cannot locate Taiwan on a map.
- Aug 21 Donald Trump appeared at a Myrtle Beach rally backing Sen. Darline Graham, prompting Republican operatives in swing states to question his allocation of support.
- Aug 21 Trump made an in‑person appearance to endorse Graham ahead of the runoff.
- Aug 22 Trump held a rally in Myrtle Beach urging voters to support Graham ahead of the runoff.
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