President Donald Trump has provided crucial support to Senator Darline Graham’s campaign as MAGA Inc. invested nearly $830,000 into South Carolina’s Republican U.S. Senate runoff. Federal campaign finance reports reveal that the super PAC managed by Trump’s advisers allocated over $827,000 for outreach to voters through text messages and phone calls on Monday.
Graham, endorsed by Trump and sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, is contending with U.S. Representative Ralph Norman for the GOP nomination in a special primary. As of Monday, Graham expressed optimism about her chances: “It’s going to be close, but we feel good,” she told reporters.
MAGA Inc.’s significant financial commitment comes in response to encouragement from Senate Republican leadership for Trump’s midterm endorsees. Before his Monday tele-rally, Trump campaigned for Graham in Myrtle Beach last Friday, emphasizing her capability to extend her brother’s legacy. “I asked her to do it. I got her into this whole thing,” Trump remarked, “I have to make sure she gets in because there will be nobody better.”
Graham has faced recent critiques following comments made during an August 18 debate where she stated that national security “is not my thing”. Despite the criticism, she defended her legislative experience, drawing parallels to Trump’s initial presidential bid as an outsider. “Just like President Trump on day one, I’m not a politician—and I’m proud of that,” Graham stated in a Fox & Friends interview. Trump praised Graham’s candidness and highlighted her focus on making policies affordable, in contrast to her brother’s foreign policy emphasis.
Patrick Casale, a Trump supporter and adviser to Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald, noted Trump’s endorsement comes partly from his “tremendous friendship” with Lindsey Graham. He acknowledged that Graham’s lineage might introduce refreshing perspectives, adding confidence in her alignment with Trump.
Casale appreciated Graham’s acknowledgement of her limitations in foreign policy during the debate. He expressed that the race is “interesting” and suggested Graham could advance, though a Norman victory wouldn’t be a significant setback for Trump. “I don’t think [Senator Rick Scott] would be upset if Norman wins, and I don’t think Trump would be as upset as you think,” Casale noted, tied to Lindsey Graham’s influence.
Kalshi traders as of Monday night gave Graham 67 percent odds of winning the runoff against Norman, who stands at 33 percent. The outcome will be a test of Trump’s endorsement influence, as Graham competes against Norman, an established opponent who participated in events ending in Greenville on Monday.
Norman, known for backing Trump’s congressional agenda, portrayed Graham as inexperienced and linked to the “Washington elite”. The campaigns were contacted by Newsweek outside regular business hours on Monday.
The victor from Tuesday’s GOP runoff will contest against Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Democrats haven’t won statewide office in South Carolina since 2006. Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.
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