Trump brings rally to South Carolina to boost Darline Graham in Senate race

President Donald Trump arrived in South Carolina on Wednesday to campaign for U.S. Senator Darline Graham, seeking to secure a victory in a Senate race that has become unexpectedly competitive in the reliably red state. Graham, who replaced her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, following his sudden death in July, is running for a six-year term. The race against Democratic challenger Annie Andrews has tightened significantly, prompting the president to intervene directly despite the state’s historical Republican leanings. Trump held a rally in Pendleton, South Carolina, where he addressed a crowd while being repeatedly interrupted by protesters. He described Graham as smart and incredible, asserting that she would never let voters down. The president characterized Andrews, a pediatrician, as one of the most extreme and crazy individuals in the country, warning that her election would result in a disaster. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who hails from South Carolina, spoke before Trump. Bessent stated that Graham was driven by the same hope for America that her brother possessed, suggesting that as long as both occupied their respective offices, the nation could improve. The political landscape shifted dramatically after Lindsey Graham died of an aortic tear earlier this year. Graham had been on track for a fifth term until his passing. His sister, formerly the director of the state agency for the blind, received bipartisan support when the governor appointed her to finish his term. However, her decision to seek election in the midterms raised doubts among some observers regarding her readiness, given her status as a political novice. Trump endorsed her during the special primary, helping her defeat more experienced Republican opponents, including Representative Ralph Norman. The president cited honor for her brother as the reason for his support. Recent tensions have emerged between the two figures. Over the weekend, a rift appeared concerning Trump’s decision to waive Ukraine war sanctions on Russia. These sanctions were set to be imposed under legislation named after Lindsey Graham. Despite this friction, Trump maintained his backing in a recent video message, calling Graham the greatest person her brother had ever met. He urged South Carolinians to vote for her, emphasizing her character. Annie Andrews, who launched her campaign more than a year before Lindsey Graham’s death, initially targeted the incumbent. After his death, she pivoted to criticize Darline Graham as unqualified and heavily reliant on Trump’s endorsement. Andrews highlighted Graham’s debate performance, specifically referencing an admission that she was not well-informed on national security. In a fundraising email, Andrews claimed that Graham requested Trump’s presence due to strong campaign momentum. She argued that Republican policies have harmed the economies of children and families, focusing her message on affordability. Republican officials are working to prevent an upset victory. More than $34 million has entered the race, with campaigns portraying Andrews as a radical liberal. They have accused her of supporting surgeries for transgender minors, allegations she denies. Polls indicate Graham leads by approximately 2.7 percentage points, according to a Real Clear Politics average. Trump won the state by 18 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election. Supporters expressed concern over potential Democratic control. Nanette Tumbleston, waiting at a weekend event in Mount Pleasant, voiced fear that progressive influence within the Democratic Party would worsen global conditions. She hoped voters would remain vigilant to ensure a Republican hold on the seat. Trump continues to rally daily for candidates nationwide, urging voters to treat him as if he were on the ballot to counter low midterm turnout expectations. The election is scheduled for November 3.