Trump urges S.C. voters to mimic ballot choice
The President campaigned in Rock Hill on Thursday, five days before the midterms, asking supporters to treat his name as if it were listed next to Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham Nordone.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
President Donald Trump asked thousands of supporters in Rock Hill, S.C., on Thursday to act as though his name appeared on the November 3 ballot. The directive came during a campaign rally that marked his second trip to South Carolina in eight days. The state holds a contested U.S. Senate seat that has become a focal point for national Republican leadership.
The political path to this moment began with the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, whose empty seat triggered a special election. The race features Republican Darline Graham Nordone, who is running for the position held by her late brother. Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews serves as her challenger. Trump’s recent travel to the state reflects a strategic effort to secure support in a historically red region ahead of the midterm vote.
Nordone positioned herself as a strict conservative ally to the President during the event. She contrasted her voting record on border security, Second Amendment rights, and judicial appointments against Andrews. Nordone specifically cited a disagreement over state legislation protecting female athletes. "Boys do not belong in girls’ sports," Nordone said. "Yet when Governor McMaster and our state legislature passed common sense laws to protect female athletes and stop radical chemical transition therapies on kids, Annie Andrews attacked them and said it was shameful."
Trump addressed the crowd with a candid appeal regarding voter turnout. He acknowledged that his personal visibility often drives engagement among his base. "I’m asking you to do me one favor, pretend that I’m on the ballot," Trump told the audience. The remark drew a loud response from the packed arena, signaling a high level of enthusiasm for the President’s direct involvement in the campaign.
Supporters cited various policy priorities as their reasons for attending the rally. One attendee, who identified himself only as Bill, pointed to economic and foreign policy issues. "Closing the border, bringing jobs back to America. Dealing with the Iran situation. we can’t let that keep festering," Bill said. Another supporter, Macy Charles, focused on social issues. "It has been refreshing to see elected officials who are willing to stand up for women, biological women who know what a woman is," Charles said.
The President maintained his schedule of nationwide appearances despite a fatigued voice during the speech. He framed the upcoming election as a defensive effort for the Republican party. The next step for the campaign involves continued rallies in key battleground states leading up to the general election.
The Senate race in South Carolina remains one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Both parties are spending heavily to influence the outcome. The result will determine the balance of power in the upper chamber for the next two years.
