PENDLETON, S.C. (WLOS) — President Donald Trump campaigned in South Carolina on Wednesday, making his second stop in the Carolinas in two days as he rallied support for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Darline Graham ahead of the November 3 midterm election.
Graham is facing Democratic candidate Dr. Annie Andrews in a race Republicans are hoping to win as they fight to maintain control of the Senate.
Trump spoke to supporters in Pendleton for nearly two hours, facing more than half a dozen interruptions from protesters. Despite the disruptions, he continued delivering his message, urging voters to support Graham on Election Day.
“I’d like to ask Darline to come up for a minute, she’s fantastic,” Trump said, prompting applause from the crowd.
PRESIDENT TRUMP BACKS DARLINE GRAHAM IN SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE TELE-RALLY
The president argued that Graham would support his administration’s agenda and work to advance Republican priorities.
“Darline Graham will vote to keep your income rising, your prices falling, your borders strong and America more respected than ever before,” Trump said.
Graham was appointed to take over her brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat after his death in July. President Trump encouraged her to run, telling supporters in Pendleton that he believed her brother would have wanted her to take on the role.
“He respected Darline more than any other person alive. That includes me and I wasn’t happy about it, Darline,” Trump said.
OCT. 21, 2026 – President Donald Trump at a rally in Pendleton, S.C. to boost Republican U.S. Senate candidate Darline Graham. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
The president acknowledged that entering the race so soon after her brother’s death was a significant decision.
“I asked Darline to run and after a little thought, because it’s a big decision, it really is. It’s a big decision for somebody, she said yes and I was very happy about it,” Trump said.
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Graham expressed her appreciation for Trump’s support and highlighted the close relationship the president shared with her late brother.
“Do we love this President in the Upstate?! Is this Trump country?! Yeah! USA, USA!” Graham said to the crowd.
She also emphasized the bond and friendship between Trump and her brother.
“You are one of Lindsey’s dearest friends. You will always be part of the Graham family. I want you to know that,” Graham said.
The campaign stop underscored the importance Republicans are placing on the South Carolina Senate race as Election Day approaches. Whether Trump’s appearance will translate into votes for Graham remains to be seen.
