Donald Trump is traveling to South Carolina on Friday to campaign in support of Darlene Graham, a political newcomer whose unexpected bid for a six‑year term in the U.S. Senate will test the president’s influence in a state dominated by Republicans.
Trump will appear at an evening rally for Graham at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This comes days after the incumbent stumbled on a basic question about U.S. foreign policy during a debate this week with her opponent in next Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff, U.S. Representative Ralph Norman.
When asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the United States, Graham replied to the debate audience’s surprise: “I’ll just be honest. I’m not very informed on national security. National security is not my thing.”
Graham, 62, specialized in services for people with disabilities before Republican Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina appointed her to the seat of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. The late senator was a leading voice on U.S. foreign policy and a staunch supporter of Trump before dying last month of heart disease. Darlene Graham‘s current term runs through early January.
However, Trump‘s endorsement of her decision to run for a full six‑year Senate term in the November congressional elections has annoyed some South Carolina Republicans, who criticized the move as an attempt to “crown” a candidate without political experience.
Nikki Haley’s Criticism
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a supporter of Norman, stated on platform X that Lindsey Graham was well‑informed about the national security of the United States, while Darlene Graham admits she is not. “This is not something that is inherited. And it is critically important in the U.S. Senate,” added Haley.
Graham defended her debate response in a later interview with Fox News. She said: “I don’t talk like a politician. I was just being honest. And I think that’s kind of a foreign concept,” asserting that South Carolina voters are more concerned about the cost of living, transgender issues, gun rights, and immigration.
Norman, 73, a longtime developer, is a leading conservative who has spent nearly a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives. He unsuccessfully ran for governor, finishing third in the June primary.
Graham and Norman emerged from a Republican field of 10 candidates in the special Senate primary on August 11. With Trump‘s support, Graham edged out Norman with 32.8% to 24.6%, but fell far short of the absolute majority needed for an outright victory.
Upcoming Elections
The winner of Tuesday’s runoff will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who had over $4.1 million in her campaign fund at the end of June. Control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate will be at stake in the November midterm elections.
The Republican candidate has an advantage in the South Carolina Senate race. Trump won South Carolina by nearly 18 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election.
Source: Strait Times
