President Donald Trump returned to South Carolina on Thursday to campaign for Sen. Darline Graham as she faces a competitive challenge from Democrat Annie Andrews in the race for a U.S. Senate seat. This marks Trump’s second visit to the state in a month, reflecting heightened concern within the Republican Party about Graham’s prospects in a contest critical to maintaining GOP control.
South Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly 30 years, but Andrews, a pediatrician and former congressional candidate, is appealing to voters dissatisfied with current economic conditions, high gas prices, and ongoing conflict in Iran. Her campaign message encourages voters to “try something new for once,” seeking to capitalize on broader electoral frustrations that have put Republicans on the defensive in traditionally reliable states.
Graham, who was appointed in July by Republican Governor Henry McMaster to complete the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term, secured the GOP nomination in August to run for a full six-year term. The senator’s death left a sudden vacancy that Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, has been striving to fill both politically and personally. During the event, Trump praised the late senator and endorsed Darline Graham as his natural successor, attributing her candidacy to his encouragement amid initial reluctance from other Republican candidates. “I got you into this thing, Darline,” Trump said.
Speaking before Trump, Darline Graham lauded the president’s record and warned that a victory for Andrews would jeopardize those achievements. “He delivered what Washington promised for decades,” she said, positioning herself as the candidate of continuity and stability.
Meanwhile, Andrews campaigned nearby in Fort Mill on Wednesday, telling voters that they have the power to hold her accountable after six years. “If you elect me and I disappoint you, you can fire me in six years,” she said, pledging commitment to earning the electorate’s trust.
The outcome in South Carolina may depend in part on independents and dissatisfied Republicans. Brent Chaplin, a 37-year-old finance professional and registered Republican who voted for Trump in 2016, cast his ballot for Andrews this year, expressing disillusionment with the current GOP and hoping the vote signals a demand for new leadership within the party.
Outside South Carolina, Trump has modified his campaign schedule amid ongoing midterm contests. A planned rally in Kansas for Senator Roger Marshall was shifted to a tele-rally format, as Trump also arranged virtual events for candidates in Colorado and Montana on Thursday evening. A person familiar with the scheduling strategy, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that nearly two dozen remote events are planned before Election Day. When asked if the schedule change reflected illness, Trump denied being unwell, stating he was not traveling to Kansas “because he’s doing very well,” a remark seemingly intended to reassure supporters about Senator Marshall’s status.