Trump campaigns with Darline Graham ahead of runoff: "Say that I'm on the ballot one more time"

August 21, 2026 / 8:39 PM EDT / CBS News

Trump campaigns with Darline Graham ahead of runoff: "Say that I'm on the ballot one more time"

TL;DR

  • President Trump held a rally in South Carolina to support Republican Sen. Darline Graham in her special primary runoff.
  • Trump urged supporters to "pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot" and to "just come and vote."
  • Graham is competing to replace her late brother and did not win outright in the first primary.
  • Graham faced criticism for admitting she was "not that informed on national security" during a debate.
  • Trump defended Graham's statement as honest and highlighted her focus on affordability, contrasting it with her brother's global focus.