CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — President Donald Trump and Sen. Darline Graham urged South Carolina Republicans to support her in Tuesday’s GOP primary during a campaign tele-rally Monday night, focusing on immigration, election security and conservative policy priorities.
Trump opened his remarks by encouraging voters to turn out for Graham, whom he described as having his “complete and total endorsement.”
“I’m really going to be very strong on this and ask you to get out and vote for Darline Graham,” Trump said. “She fully supports the Trump agenda and will help us achieve our mission to make America great again.”
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A significant portion of the call focused on Graham’s connection to her late brother. Trump said Lindsey Graham would have been “most proud” of his sister and praised her decision to seek the Senate seat.
“Darline is tough,” Trump said. “She’s the perfect person to carry on Lindsey’s legacy.”
Trump also pointed to Graham’s early Senate work, including her support for Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation and her backing of sanctions legislation targeting Russia and Iran.
For her part, Graham thanked Trump for his endorsement, calling it “the gold standard in Republican politics.”
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She also highlighted today’s renaming of Joint Base Charleston to Joint Base Lindsey Graham in honor of her brother, thanking Trump for helping recognize Lindsey Graham’s military service.
Graham outlined several policy positions during the call, including support for stricter election laws, anti-fraud measures, border security and restrictions on transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports.
“I think it’s ridiculous that the Save America Act hasn’t passed yet,” Graham said, adding that she would support ending the Senate filibuster if necessary to advance the legislation.
Graham also pointed to her sponsorship of the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 and her vote to confirm Blanche as attorney general.
Additionally, she described herself as “a mother and a grandmother” and “a problem solver and a committed conservative fighter.”
Addressing criticism of her record, Graham defended her leadership of a state agency that assisted blind South Carolinians in finding employment.
“I effectively and efficiently ran an agency that helped people who were blind find jobs so that they don’t have to rely on the government,” she said.
South Carolina Republicans will decide tomorrow whether Graham’s message and Trump’s endorsement are enough to secure victory in what is sure to be a closely watched special primary.
