Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 24
Trump Pours $827,000 Into Darline Graham Runoff as South Carolina Vote Tests His GOP Clout
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 24

Trump Pours $827,000 Into Darline Graham Runoff as South Carolina Vote Tests His GOP Clout

3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 24

Summary

  • $827,000 from Trump’s MAGA Inc. went to text messages and phone calls for Darline Graham in Tuesday’s South Carolina GOP Senate runoff, one of the super PAC’s biggest outlays this cycle.
  • Trump has made the race a personal test, urging voters at a Myrtle Beach rally to act “like I’m on the ballot” as he tries to lift a first-time candidate onto the November ballot.
  • Darline Graham, appointed in July to fill part of her late brother Lindsey Graham’s term, has leaned on Trump and establishment backing after a debate stumble on Taiwan exposed her inexperience.
  • Ralph Norman has countered by casting her as an unknown and banking on his stronger name recognition in a likely low-turnout August runoff, with Nikki Haley-aligned groups spending more than $700,000 for him.
  • The contest is not expected to shift Senate control, but a Graham loss would deepen scrutiny of Trump’s endorsement power after several recent primary setbacks.

Insights

Will a massive last-minute financial push secure victory for a candidate relying heavily on a famous family legacy?