President Donald Trump is taking his midterm campaign push to South Carolina tonight, rallying behind Sen. Darline Graham as she fights to hold the Senate seat once occupied by her brother, longtime Trump ally Lindsey Graham.
Trump is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, October 21, at Clemson University’s T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton. The visit comes as early voting is underway and Republicans work to turn presidential support into votes down the ballot.
“I will be heading to South Carolina for a BIG Rally this evening. Darline Graham is GREAT!” Trump wrote Wednesday morning on Truth Social, according to an archived copy of his post.
A Senate Seat With Personal Significance
Graham remains favored against Democratic challenger Annie Andrews, a pediatrician. But the contest has become more competitive: As The Hill reported, Cook Political Report shifted its rating Tuesday from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican.”
Tonight’s stop will be Trump’s second South Carolina visit in three months to support Graham, following an August rally in Myrtle Beach. This time, he is targeting the conservative Upstate, where Graham’s Republican primary opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman, previously drew strong support.
For Trump, the race also carries a personal connection.
Lindsey Graham and Trump competed for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination before developing a close, sometimes contentious alliance. Their friendship extended beyond Washington’s political battles to the golf course—a bond Trump recalled while delivering Graham’s eulogy in July.
At the Washington National Cathedral service, Trump remembered Graham as a “beloved friend” and praised Darline’s continuation of her brother’s public service. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to the Senate following Lindsey’s death, and she is now seeking a full six-year term.
Backing Graham Despite A Policy Disagreement
The rally follows a rare public disagreement between Graham and the president over his decision to waive Russia sanctions under legislation named for her late brother.
According to The Hill’s reporting, Graham said she would have preferred to maintain pressure on Moscow. The disagreement has not interrupted Trump’s effort to help elect her.
Graham has said she hopes the president’s appearance will help introduce her to voters who have only recently begun following her political career. South Carolina Public Radio reported that she has increased her appearances across the Upstate ahead of the election.
The White House, meanwhile, is emphasizing Trump’s ability to mobilize Republicans. Spokesman Davis Ingle called him the party’s “best messenger, and unmatched motivator” in a statement to Axios about the campaign push.
Next Stop: Iowa
Trump’s campaign schedule continues Thursday, October 22, with a rally at Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa.
His remarks are scheduled for 6 p.m. Central—7 p.m. Eastern. The Iowa Republican Party lists doors opening at 2:30 p.m. Central, with the program beginning at 4:30 p.m.
For tonight, the president’s focus is South Carolina: helping his chosen candidate secure a full term as Republicans battle to preserve their congressional majorities.
Watch tonight’s rally through FOX Carolina’s live coverage.
