During a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, former President Donald Trump responded to hecklers by mocking one protester, telling them they would be sent home to a mother who votes for Trump. The rally was held to support Darline Graham, who is in a runoff election for the South Carolina Republican Senate seat.
Trump, campaigning for Graham, asked the crowd to "pretend I'm on the ballot" and vote for her in the upcoming runoff against Congressman Ralph Norman. He noted that Republican candidates often underperform when he is not personally on the ballot. Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was appointed to fill her brother's seat and is now seeking a full term.
Graham's campaign has faced scrutiny following a televised debate where she admitted she was "not that informed" on national security issues related to Taiwan and the South China Sea. She has defended her response as honesty and stated that South Carolina voters are more concerned with local issues like the economy and healthcare. Trump also defended her statement, characterizing it as honest and noting his own focus on national security.
Graham also misstated the population of South Carolina when discussing the affordability crisis, claiming 50 million people were living paycheck to paycheck in a state with around 5.5 million residents. Despite these stumbles, Graham has emphasized her support for Trump's policies, including stricter border security and the SAVE Act voting bill. She has highlighted her experience running a state agency as preparation for serving in the Senate.
Trump's endorsement of Graham comes as some of his endorsed candidates have faced primary defeats in other races, raising questions about the extent of his influence. However, Senator Tim Scott and Representative Russell Fry have also backed Graham's campaign. The winner of the runoff will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the general election in November, in a state traditionally favoring Republicans.