Trump heads to South Carolina to rally for Sen. Darline Graham ahead of runoff

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) — President Donald Trump came to South Carolina Friday to rally for U.S. Sen. Darline Graham ahead of Tuesday’s special election runoff against U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman.

Trump headlined a rally at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Friday evening. Tickets are available through the South Carolina Republican Party, with a limit of two tickets per person.

The visit marks Trump’s first trip to South Carolina in more than two years. His last visit was in February 2024, when he traveled to Rock Hill and Horry County ahead of the state’s Republican presidential primary.

Trump endorsed Graham last month and publicly urged her to run for a full Senate term following the death of her brother, the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died July 11 from a torn aorta.

Darline Graham finished first in the Aug. 11 primary, carrying most counties in the Midlands and Lowcountry. Norman performed strongest in the Upstate and in areas near Charlotte, including his home base in the Rock Hill area.

Trump’s rally came as Graham and Norman make their final pitches to voters before Tuesday’s runoff.

The Grand Strand and Pee Dee could play an important role in the race. Most voters in those areas backed U.S. Rep. Russell Fry in the first round. Fry finished third overall, leaving a significant bloc of voters up for grabs heading into the runoff. Fry has since endorsed Graham.

Trump’s appearance gives Graham a major platform in one of the key regions of the race and puts the president’s political influence in South Carolina to the test.

The question heading into Tuesday is whether Trump’s endorsement and Friday’s rally can translate into additional support and turnout for Graham.

Myrtle Beach police are warning drivers to expect temporary road closures and traffic delays Friday as the president visits the city. Police say those closures will not be announced ahead of time because of security concerns. Drivers are encouraged to give themselves extra time, plan for delays and take alternate routes when possible.