Trump Makes Final Push for Darline Graham in High-Stakes South Carolina Runoff

The president Donald Trump returned to South Carolina to try to mobilize the Republican vote in favor of Senator Darline Graham.

Thousands of supporters attended the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Friday to hear the president before the second Republican runoff.

The special election for the U.S. Senate will be held on Tuesday and continues to generate national attention just days before the vote.

The visit marked Trump’s return to South Carolina for the first time since 2024, as he personally reinforced his support for Graham.

Trump Backs Darline Graham Ahead of Runoff

TRUMP BACKS GRAHAM: President Trump rallied South Carolina voters behind Sen. Darline Graham ahead of Tuesday’s GOP runoff, urging supporters to turn out as if he were on the ballot himself. MORE: https://t.co/1r57zwnlxP pic.twitter.com/2wgQ36Z6Uh

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) August 22, 2026

Why it matters: Trump’s presence turned the final stretch of the primary into a scenario to measure his influence among state Republicans once again.

The audience remained enthusiastic throughout the night as various Republican figures took the stage before the president’s intervention.

Among them were Senator Tim Scott and Representative Russell Fry, who sought to mobilize voters present in Myrtle Beach.

The region was shaping up as a key area to define the outcome of a runoff that keeps South Carolina under national attention.

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When Trump appeared before his supporters, he was received with a prolonged applause and strong cheers inside the Convention Center.

«We have to get Darline and others elected,» Trump said to the crowd gathered during the political event.

The president repeatedly praised Graham and made it clear that his participation in the event aimed to directly boost her Senate candidacy.

«They’re only attacking Darline because they want her to lose, which isn’t fair, but I’m doing this to honor Lindsey,» Trump said.

«I’m doing this to honor Lindsey,» the president reiterated during his speech, linking his support to the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Graham Promises to Stand with Trump

The fact: Graham publicly thanked the president for his support and assured that she would work alongside Trump if she wins the election.

«Mr. President, I’m proud to be by your side, to work hard for this country,» Graham said during her intervention.

She also promised to «work hard for this great state of South Carolina every day» if she manages to continue occupying the seat, according to WCSC.

Trump explained that he himself encouraged Graham to compete for the full six-year term after she was appointed to the position.

«I told her: ‘Darline, I’d love to see you run beyond the five months you’ve been in office,'» Trump recounted.

The president added that Graham had already managed to have an impact during her brief period in the U.S. Senate.

«Everyone respects you. Everyone listens to you. So I asked her to run,» Trump assured, explaining his support for the candidacy.

Graham also highlighted during the event the relationship that existed between the president and the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

The senator described Trump as one of Lindsey Graham’s closest friends and stated that he continues to be part of the Graham family.

Trump Promises Funds for Interstate 73

Trump took advantage of his return to Myrtle Beach to address a long-standing infrastructure priority for the Grand Strand region.

This is the proposed Interstate 73, a highway to connect the Myrtle Beach area with Interstate 95.

Local leaders have promoted the project for years, which again took center stage during the president’s speech on Friday.

Trump assured his followers that the construction will move forward and will be funded by the federal government.

«We’re also going to build that highway for you,» the president said, referring directly to the Interstate 73 project.

«We’re going to build it. Everything is ready to receive funding. It all comes from Washington,» Trump added to the attendees.

What’s next: Graham and the other candidates now face the final days to convince voters before the runoff.

The vote is scheduled for Tuesday and will determine who advances after a campaign that has once again placed South Carolina under national attention.

Trump’s intervention left his support for Graham as one of the central elements of this final stretch of the Republican contest.