Donald Trump implored supporters in South Carolina to "pretend I'm on the ballot" as he made a final appeal for Darline Graham, his chosen candidate, in a Republican Senate runoff election.
Speaking at a rally in Myrtle Beach, Trump urged "every South Carolina patriot" to vote for Graham, who is seeking a full six-year term after being appointed to temporarily fill the seat vacated by her brother, the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The rally was a last-minute effort to boost Graham against Congressman Ralph Norman in Tuesday's contest.
Trump, who had previously persuaded Graham to run, framed the runoff as a direct test of his influence among South Carolina Republicans. He reminisced about his own second term accomplishments and mocked political opponents.
Graham, who has emphasized her lack of traditional political experience, drew parallels to Trump, stating he was also not an elected official before becoming president. "I think he's done a damn good job," she said, encouraging voters to support her and bring friends.
Adding to the race's intensity, Graham's campaign faced challenges following a televised debate. When asked about national security issues concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea, Graham admitted she was "not that informed." This statement provided an opening for Norman, who argued that the state requires a senator with a stronger grasp of foreign policy. Norman wrote on X that "South Carolina deserves a Senator who understands Foreign Policy. I'm a peace through strength supporter! No more forever wars!"
Graham defended her response as a sign of her willingness to learn, suggesting that voters in South Carolina are more focused on domestic issues like the economy and healthcare. Trump also defended her remark, telling reporters that Graham is "very smart" and understands that national security is his domain, calling her answer "very honest."
However, the exchange intensified scrutiny over her qualifications. Graham also misstated the number of people living paycheck to paycheck in South Carolina, saying 50 million instead of the state's approximate 5.5 million residents.
Graham has centered her campaign on Trump's agenda, highlighting her support for his policies, including tougher border security and the SAVE Act, a Republican-backed voting bill. Senator Tim Scott and Representative Russell Fry have also endorsed Graham.
Trump's endorsements have not guaranteed victory in the current election cycle, with several of his endorsed candidates failing to win Republican primaries. This has raised questions about the extent of his influence, particularly after his endorsements in other South Carolina races, including the governor's race, drew criticism.
The winner of Tuesday's runoff will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. Republicans are considered to have a strong advantage in the traditionally conservative state.