Trump Scrambles to Save Endorsed SC Candidate Ahead of Runoff

In South Carolina, Trump is aggressively pressuring Republicans to back his endorsed Senate candidate Darline Graham as neither she nor rival Ralph Norman hit 50% in the primary, triggering an Aug. 25 runoff. He reportedly called former Gov. Mark Sanford and Rep. Russell Fry to secure or secure endorsement support and even floated a dual endorsement to avoid another setback. The move comes amid a broader pattern of Trump-backed candidates losing in other races, a White House defense of his endorsement power, and polls showing his approval at a low as the midterms approach.