Trump Rallies for Darline Graham as South Carolina Senate Race Tightens to 49%-46%
Updated
Updated · ms.now · Oct 21
Trump Rallies for Darline Graham as South Carolina Senate Race Tightens to 49%-46%
3 articles · Updated · ms.now · Oct 21
Summary
Clemson hosts Trump on Wednesday for his second South Carolina rescue trip in two months as Republicans scramble to protect Darline Graham in a seat long treated as safely red.
Cook Political Report shifted the race to lean Republican after recent polls showed Graham only 3 points ahead of Democrat Annie Andrews, 49% to 46%, even as the GOP gubernatorial nominee led by 16 points.
More than $22.5 million in Republican ad spending has poured in since Graham's Aug. 18 debate stumble, including a late $5 million from the Senate Leadership Fund, as party officials blame weak GOP unity around her.
Trump's team argues his visits can lift turnout in conservative strongholds; after a Myrtle Beach rally and a Russell Fry endorsement, Graham jumped from 35% in the primary to 73% in the runoff there.
The push is complicated by Trump's executive order exempting Russia from sanctions, undercutting Graham's signature law and highlighting how closely her candidacy—and Trump's credibility—are now tied.