President Donald Trump campaigned in South Carolina to endorse Senator Darline Graham on August 21, 2026. The event took place at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, supporting her run ahead of the upcoming GOP state primary.

Graham, who has taken over following her brother Lindsey’s passing, expressed gratitude to Trump for his support. The political scene is heating up with the polls closing in Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Georgia, testing Trump’s influence over the GOP and his endorsements.

Trump supports Senator Darline Graham in South Carolina’s Senate runoff, aiming to continue her late brother Lindsey Graham’s legacy. In Oklahoma, he is backing former state budget secretary Mike Mazzei for the gubernatorial nomination with GOP Governor Kevin Stitt reaching term limits.

The president encouraged South Carolina’s voters to treat the vote as if he were on the ballot, emphasizing its importance.

Graham’s campaign is strengthened by support from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Congressman Russell Fry, and Senator Tim Scott. Her competitor Ralph Norman has emphasized his alignment with Trump but questions Trump’s endorsement of Graham. Norman, supported by former governor Mark Sanford, presents strong fiscal conservatism as a cornerstone of his campaign.

Trump’s endorsements have shown mixed results in South Carolina. While he backed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette for governor, she faced a landslide loss in the runoff against Attorney General Alan Wilson. This situation is seen by some as a referendum on Trump’s influence.

Notably, Ralph Norman aligns himself with former Governor Nikki Haley, who served as an ambassador in Trump’s administration. This endorsement showcases the complex and competitive dynamics within the GOP.

In Oklahoma, Mike Mazzei barely trailed Attorney General Gentner Drummond in the initial primary, yet remains favored in a heavily Republican state.

Reports indicate Trump’s endorsements maintain a strong presence, despite some high-profile losses in gubernatorial races, including in Iowa and Georgia. Republican strategist Ryan Williams notes that endorsing Trump is powerful, but not an automatic path to victory.

Georgia’s special election for a congressional seat sees Democrats Everton Blair and Marcye Scott competing to fill the position left by David Scott.