Former President Donald Trump implored South Carolina Republicans on Friday to mobilize for the upcoming Senate GOP primary runoff election, urging them to "pretend" he is on the ballot to boost support for Sen. Darline Graham.
Speaking at a rally in Myrtle Beach, Trump stated that Graham, who is competing for a full term in the Senate, faces a challenge because he himself is not a candidate, which could potentially depress turnout among his base.
"What I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot," Trump told the crowd. "Just come and vote. It’s so important."
Trump framed the South Carolina Senate race as a referendum on his agenda, warning that voters stand to "lose everything" if Graham is not elected. He specifically mentioned the potential loss of border security measures, tax cuts, and policies like tax-free tips, social security for seniors, and overtime pay.
"You’re going to lose your border, you’re going to lose your tax cuts, you’re going to lose everything that we’ve done," Trump said. "Think about no tax on tips, no tax on social security for our seniors, no tax on overtime – all of that’s going to be gone."
The former president also asserted that Democrats would attempt to impeach him if they gained control of Congress in the midterm elections.
Graham was appointed to her late brother’s Senate seat on July 14, at Trump's suggestion, and is now seeking to win a full six-year term. In the initial primary round on August 11, she secured 32.7% of the vote. She is set to face Rep. Ralph Norman, who received 24.6%, in the August 25 runoff election.
During the rally, Graham thanked Trump for his support and for the words he spoke at her brother's memorial service. "That meant the world to me. It was beautiful," she stated. "You were one of his closest friends. I hope you know that, and you will forever be part of the Graham family."
Trump also offered a personal incentive for voters to support Graham, pledging to play a round of golf with the top golfer in Myrtle Beach if she wins the election. "I’ll make you a deal that if Darline wins, I’ll come down and play the best golfer in Myrtle Beach in a match. We’ll see who wins," he said.
Among the guests on stage with Trump were White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Sens. John Barrasso and Tim Scott, Rep. Russell Fry, and Graham. The event featured imagery and slogans emphasizing Trump's connection to South Carolina and Graham's campaign.