Trump rushes to rescue Senate hopeful Darline Graham ahead of South Carolina runoff

Donald Trump announced a Monday night tele-rally to rally support for Darline Graham, the sister of the deceased Senator Lindsey Graham, ahead of the South Carolina Senate runoff. Graham’s debate last Tuesday exposed gaps in her knowledge of national-security issues and included an inaccurate claim that the state’s population is 50 million, prompting boos and criticism from within the MAGA base. Trump had traveled to Myrtle Beach three days earlier to campaign in person and now hopes the virtual event will help her defeat Rep. Ralph Norman, her more seasoned GOP opponent.

The move arrives as Trump’s recent endorsements have faltered, with ten backed candidates losing primary contests, including MyPillow founder Mike Lindell in Minnesota and Rep. Cory Mills in Florida. Nevertheless, Trump asserted on Truth Social that his endorsements are “getting stronger than ever.” Graham’s record is further scrutinized for a donation to a state senator who backed a harsh abortion ban and for remarks suggesting South Carolina voters care more about economic issues than Taiwan, despite the state already banning transgender athletes in 2022. While Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews labeled Graham unready for office, Senator Tim Scott publicly praised her qualifications.