Trump Encourages Supporters to Vote as if He is on the Ballot

Former President Donald Trump addressed supporters at a rally in South Carolina on August 21, 2026, urging them to vote in the upcoming Senate GOP runoff as if he were on the ballot. He expressed concern that his supporters do not turn out for other Republican candidates when he is not on the ballot. Trump specifically endorsed Sen. Darline Graham and encouraged the crowd to support her in the runoff election. He stated, 'The problem that we have is, they say that Trump does great when he’s on the ballot, but when he’s not on the ballot, his people don’t come and they don’t vote for senators, congressmen and other Republicans.' He emphasized the importance of voting, saying, 'Just come and vote. It’s so important.' Trump's remarks came after several of his endorsed candidates did not secure nominations in recent primaries. He did not mention GOP Rep. Ralph Norman, who is also a candidate in the runoff.