Fastrack · Trump Rallies in South Carolina for Darline Graham

President Donald Trump rallied Wednesday at Clemson University for Sen. Darline Graham. She is seeking a full term in the seat her late brother, Lindsey Graham, held.

2.7 points: Graham's lead in a Real Clear Politics polling average.
18 points: Trump's 2024 margin of victory in South Carolina.
$34 million-plus has been spent on the race so far.
32.8% to 24.6%: Graham's special primary lead over Rep. Ralph Norman.

Why it matters: Lindsey Graham died in July while expected to win a fifth term. Trump backed his sister's appointment and her nomination over more experienced Republicans.

Graham said in a debate she was "not that informed on national security."
Graham publicly disagreed with Trump's waiver of Russia sanctions under her brother's law.

The story so far

109 steps · since Oct 7

Oct 7–9
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Oct 14–16
Oct 174:23 AMViolent Protests Sweep France as 1,800 Are Arrested112 sources
Oct 17–21
Oct 219:59 AMTrump Rallies in South Carolina for Darline GrahamYou are here
Oct 216:05 PMMarshall and Hamilton Clash in Final Kansas Senate Debate9 sourcesLatest

How 15 sources split on this story

Source landscape

Factuality

High

Mixed

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Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right

Political Bias

Coverage by lean% of 15 sources

15 sources · 17 articles · 46% Right coverage

Where they split: Coverage divides over whether the closer race reflects broad Republican weakness or a single candidate's inexperience in a safely Republican state.

Center coverage, 4 sources: The center sees Graham's campaign stumbles giving Democrats hope in South Carolina, while many acknowledge a win may still be a cycle or two away.

PBS NewsHour7hTrump will speak at South Carolina midterm rally for Sen. Darline Graham as early voting begins Associated Press5hTrump brings a last-minute rally boost to Darline Graham in South Carolina's US Senate race Bloomberg3hTrump Stumps for Darline Graham in Reliably Red South Carolina NOTUS3hTrump Props Up Graham in Last-Minute Push in South Carolina Senate Race - The Washington Sun

Left coverage, 4 sources: The left sees a tightening race in a Republican state as a sign of national headwinds for Trump's party, including low approval and affordability concerns.

Al Jazeera7hTrump heads to South Carolina to boost Senator Darline Graham in race MSNBC14hAs the midterm map expands, Democrats take a bold look at Senate races in the Deep South Political Wire2hTrump Props Up Darline Graham in Last-Minute Push The Independent4hTrump moans Lindsey Graham respected his sister more than him while stumping for her

Right coverage, 7 sources: The right sees Trump backing a candidate who honors Lindsey Graham's legacy against a Democrat that Republicans call radical and far-left.

RSBNetwork6hPresident Trump heads to rally for important Senate seat The Gateway Pundit5hWATCH LIVE: President Trump Holds Midterm Rally in Clemson, South Carolina – 7 PM ET * The Gateway Pundit * by Jordan Conradson Just the News1dWatch Live: Trump holds rally in Clemson, South Carolina Washington Examiner2hTrump warns Democrats 'want to burn it all down' in South Carolina Newsmax5hTrump Gives Darline Graham Last-Minute Boost in S.C.One America News10hS.C.: Trump delivers rally speech at Clemson University’s T. Ed Garrison Arena, aiming to secure victory for Darline Graham The Washington Times5hTrump brings rally to South Carolina to boost Darline Graham in Senate race

What’s next: Early voting has begun, and the general election is Nov. 3.

Trump is rallying daily, including in Republican-leaning states, urging voters to act as if he is on the ballot.
Will Graham's split with Trump on Russia sanctions affect Republican turnout?
Is South Carolina part of a wider shift, or an outlier driven by this matchup?