President Donald Trump recently campaigned in South Carolina to support Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., ahead of the GOP state primary. Speaking at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on August 21, 2026, he praised Graham’s focus on affordability and military support.
The event took place as polls closed in South Carolina, placing Trump’s influence over the GOP and his endorsements’ power in Republican primaries under scrutiny. Trump is endorsing Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina’s runoff for the Republican Senate nomination, succeeding her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who passed away at 71 earlier this summer.
In Oklahoma, Trump is supporting former state budget secretary and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, following Gov. Kevin Stitt reaching his term limit. Both candidates face competitive races during a day that also includes a special election runoff in Georgia to fill a vacant congressional seat due to Democratic Rep. David Scott’s death in April. The winner will further affect an already slim Republican majority in the House.
During the rally in South Carolina, Trump urged, “We need every South Carolina patriot to go to the polls and vote for Darline Graham” and encouraged attendees to act as if he were on the ballot. Graham is competing with Rep. Ralph Norman for the Senate seat nomination.
Graham, who received the appointment to complete her late brother’s Senate term by term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster, has backing from prominent Trump ally Rep. Russell Fry, as well as support from Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
On the other side, Ralph Norman, who previously campaigned for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, showcases his support for Trump while questioning Trump’s endorsement of Graham. Norman is backed by Mark Sanford, a former governor and fiscal conservative, known for his opposition to the nation’s growing debt.
Trump’s influence is under observation after backing candidates who did not win in South Carolina, such as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, adding pressure to solidify his standing in the state.
In Oklahoma, the Trump-supported Mazzei trails slightly behind Attorney General Gentner Drummond after the June GOP primary, and the winner is expected to have a strong position going into the general election in the Republican-leaning state.
Trump has highlighted his endorsement record in GOP primaries, despite five of his gubernatorial endorsements not securing wins. Nonetheless, a Trump endorsement remains a significant advantage, although not an assured victory, as noted by GOP strategist Ryan Williams.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, former Gwinnett County School Board Chair Everton Blair and Marcye Scott are competing to fill the remainder of the late Rep. David Scott’s term through the end of the year.
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