MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Donald Trump and aligned Republicans, spent more than $827,000 on the final day of the South Carolina Republican U.S. Senate runoff campaign, according to federal campaign finance filings. The spending, primarily for text message blasts and phone calls to voters, marks a substantial investment for the group, which has been largely inactive in this year's midterm contests.
The runoff election on Tuesday will determine the Republican nominee to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on the November ballot. The race pits incumbent Sen. Darline Graham, the late senator's sister who was appointed to the interim post, against Rep. Ralph Norman.
Trump has endorsed Darline Graham and recently campaigned for her in South Carolina. During a tele-rally, Trump urged supporters to vote for Graham, stating, "I asked her to do it. I got her into this whole thing... I have to make sure she gets in because there will be nobody better."
Norman, who previously ran unsuccessfully for governor, has criticized the role of super PAC spending in the runoff. He has accused Graham of being funded by special interests and portrayed her as inexperienced, suggesting that the "Washington elite" are dictating her campaign strategy. Norman has emphasized his own voting record and business experience, highlighting his support for Trump's policies during his time in Congress.
Graham drew early criticism for being in Washington, D.C., for Senate votes instead of campaigning in South Carolina. She has been working to connect with voters through meet-and-greet events and recently received an endorsement from Gov. Henry McMaster, who appointed her to the interim position.
Norman concluded his runoff campaign with events in Greenville County, the most populous in the state and a frequent indicator of Republican primary outcomes. He previously carried Greenville County in this year's gubernatorial primary.
The winner of Tuesday's GOP runoff will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election. No Democrat has won a statewide-elected office in South Carolina in two decades.