Trump Urges Support for Graham Nordone in South Carolina Senate Runoff

On Tuesday, President Trump reached out to former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, requesting his backing for Senator Darling Graham Nordone (R-South Carolina) ahead of the Senate runoff elections scheduled for August 25, according to various reports.

Trump’s objective was to rally Republicans around Graham Nordone and to prevent them from consolidating their support behind his opponent, Representative Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina). This call came on the night of the election. It’s worth noting that Mr. Sanford had previously diverged from Trump, a rift that cost him his 2018 House primary bid. He also made waves by challenging Trump for the Republican nomination in 2020.

In the recent primary, Sanford finished in fourth place. After the results were in, he made it clear to reporters that he was not planning to endorse anyone in the runoff.

Separately, Trump again contacted Congressman Russell Frey (R-South Carolina), who finished third in the primary. Frey later endorsed Graham Nordone, stating, “President Trump needs fighters and allies in the Senate who will show up every day to get results. I believe Darling Graham is just that.”

There’s chatter that the Trump campaign is thinking about organizing a rally for Graham Nordone in Myrtle Beach before the runoff, though this event has yet to be officially confirmed. Myrtle Beach is located within Frey’s district.

Interestingly, some of Trump’s allies have expressed support for both Graham Nordone and Norman, a possibility that Trump hasn’t dismissed.

In a statement, Trump described them all as “Trumpers,” but he expressed his endorsement for Nordone, saying, “But I support her. I think she’s great.”

Recently, South Carolina Republicans received a text message containing a Dynata poll assessing how dual support might influence voter behavior, though it remains unclear who funded the survey.

Norman enjoys the support of former Governor Nikki Haley, who is reportedly “ready to do whatever it takes to help him win,” according to a close source. The two share a long-standing alliance, as Norman was among the few House members to back Haley over Trump during the 2024 presidential primary. Additionally, Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), along with Turning Point Action and CPAC, have also thrown their weight behind him.

This situation unfolds in the wake of a challenging primary season for candidates endorsed by Trump. In June, Trump announced dual support in the South Carolina gubernatorial primary, where his initial candidate, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evett, lost in the runoff. He extended his endorsement to Graham Nordone last month and congratulated her for advancing to the runoff.