Trump Campaigns for Darline Graham in South Carolina

President Donald Trump visited South Carolina to express his support for Sen. Darline Graham, a Republican. At a campaign event held on August 21, 2026, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Trump praised Graham for her commitment to affordability and military support. The endorsement came as the GOP prepared for the upcoming state primary.

Darline Graham is aiming to succeed her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly at 71. Trump urged voters to support her candidacy in the state’s Senate nomination runoff.

In addition to backing Graham, Trump is also endorsing Mike Mazzei in Oklahoma. Mazzei is running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Oklahoma’s GOP Governor Kevin Stitt is reaching the end of his term limit.

Both candidates are competing in significant contests. The events coincide with a special election runoff in Georgia, aimed at filling a congressional seat vacant due to Rep. David Scott’s passing.

During a rally for Graham, Trump emphasized the importance of voter turnout. He encouraged supporters to treat the runoff as if he were on the ballot himself. Trump highlighted Graham’s endorsements, which include South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and Rep. Russell Fry.

Graham is pitted against Rep. Ralph Norman. Norman has voiced his support for Trump and questioned the former president’s endorsement of Graham. A former Gov. Mark Sanford, known for his fiscal conservatism, backs Norman.

Trump’s influence in South Carolina has seen mixed results. In a previous race, his endorsed candidate Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette lost to Attorney General Alan Wilson. This underscores the varied impact of Trump’s endorsements.

The strategist, who asked for anonymity, stated, “Trump came to South Carolina to confirm his backing and needs a win.”

Norman’s support comes from figures like former Gov. Nikki Haley, who was a U.N. ambassador under Trump. Haley’s presidential primary support placed Norman as the first South Carolina congressional member to back her over Trump.

In the Oklahoma contest, Mazzei, endorsed by Trump, was narrowly outpaced by Attorney General Gentner Drummond in June primaries. The race winner is anticipated to be favored in the general election in the Republican-favored state.

Despite some setbacks, Trump has maintained a high endorsement success rate. However, several endorsed gubernatorial candidates have faltered. Such instances include candidates like Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.

Veteran GOP strategist Ryan Williams remarked that while Trump’s backing holds significant sway, it doesn’t guarantee victory. He cited unresolved problems within a campaign as potential challenges despite endorsements.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, two Democrats compete to complete Scott’s congressional term. The contenders include Everton Blair and Marcye Scott, the late congressman’s daughter.