President Donald Trump visited South Carolina to rally behind Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., at a campaign event on Friday, August 21, 2026. The gathering took place at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, just before the GOP state primary scheduled for next week. Graham, stepping in following the unexpected death of her brother, Lindsey Graham, expressed gratitude to Trump for his endorsement.
Sen. Darline Graham is vying for the Republican Senate nomination in South Carolina. She is competing in a runoff against Ralph Norman after none achieved a majority in the recent primary. This race follows the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly at 71.
In addition to Graham, Trump is also backing Mike Mazzei for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in Oklahoma. Mazzei is competing against Attorney General Gentner Drummond in a primary runoff. These elections align with a special election runoff in Georgia, intended to fill a congressional seat vacated by the late Democratic Rep. David Scott.
“We need every South Carolina patriot to go to the polls and vote for Darline Graham,” Trump urged during the rally. “What I really want you to do is pretend that I’m on the ballot. Just come and vote. It’s so important.”
Darline Graham has the support of several key figures, including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, Rep. Russell Fry, and Sen. Tim Scott. However, Norman, who also ran for governor earlier, is highlighting his ties to President Trump while questioning Trump’s endorsement of Graham. Norman also has support from former Gov. Mark Sanford.
Trump’s endorsements have had mixed success in recent South Carolina elections. While backing Pamela Evette for governor, she lost in the runoff to Alan Wilson. Still, Trump endorsed Wilson as well.
A South Carolina-based strategist stated, “It’s becoming a referendum on Trump,” suggesting Trump’s efforts in South Carolina are vital to establishing his influence in GOP primaries.
Norman, meanwhile, is endorsed by former Gov. Nikki Haley. Norman was the first in South Carolina’s congressional delegation to back Haley over Trump in the 2024 Republican primaries.
In Oklahoma, Trump-backed Mazzei narrowly trailed Drummond in the initial GOP primary. The winner of the runoff will likely be the favorite in the general election given Oklahoma’s Republican leanings.
Despite various challenges, Trump has maintained a strong endorsement record in the primaries. “My Endorsements are stronger than ever,” Trump stated over the weekend. However, some of his picks, like South Carolina’s Evette, haven’t succeeded.
In Georgia, two Democrats are competing to complete the late Rep. Scott’s term. Candidates Everton Blair and Marcye Scott are the finalists in the runoff election.