The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern at Clemson University’s T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, attracted supporters who began lining up hours before Trump’s arrival. Some attendees reportedly waited more than four hours to enter the venue.
A full replay of Trump’s Clemson-area rally is available online.
Before departing the White House, Trump told reporters he was traveling to South Carolina to support Graham, who was appointed to the Senate following the death of her brother, longtime Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, in July.
“I’m going to South Carolina. We’re going to hopefully get Darlene Graham elected. She’s fantastic, sister of Lindsey, and we have a tremendous crowd as we have always had,” Trump said.
“And I think it’ll be an amazing day.”
Graham was appointed by Republican Gov. Henry McMaster in July to fill the Senate vacancy after her brother’s unexpected death. She subsequently won the Republican primary and is seeking a full six-year term against Democratic candidate Annie Andrews.
The race has attracted national attention because South Carolina has traditionally favored Republican candidates, but recent polling has indicated a closer contest than expected.
According to Reuters, the contest has become increasingly competitive as Republicans attempt to maintain their congressional majority amid concerns about economic conditions and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Trump has maintained a close relationship with the Graham family and supported Darline Graham’s appointment and subsequent primary campaign.
During Wednesday’s rally, the president praised the late senator’s service and described his sister as someone who would continue representing South Carolina’s interests in Washington.
The president also campaigned for Wilson, South Carolina’s longtime attorney general, who is running to succeed McMaster as governor.
Wilson has emphasized public safety, immigration enforcement and conservative state policies during his campaign. Trump’s appearance provided an opportunity to promote the state’s Republican ticket while encouraging voter participation.
The rally formed part of a broader series of presidential campaign appearances intended to support Republican candidates in congressional and statewide races before Nov. 3.
South Carolina’s Senate election has drawn additional attention because Graham has faced divisions within her own party following a contentious primary campaign.
Former Republican challenger Ralph Norman endorsed Graham after losing the nomination but has remained critical of aspects of her candidacy.
Meanwhile, Andrews, a pediatrician and former congressional candidate, has attempted to build support among independent voters while criticizing the Republican Party’s positions on healthcare and economic policy.
National Republican organizations have committed millions of dollars to advertising and other campaign activities supporting Graham.
The Associated Press reported that Trump’s appearance also drew protesters, some of whom interrupted his remarks during the event.
The president’s speech addressed the approaching election, his administration’s policies and the importance of maintaining Republican representation in Congress.
Trump has repeatedly urged South Carolina voters to support Graham, previously describing her as a committed conservative who would defend border security, lower taxes and constitutional rights.
The rally also highlighted the political importance of turnout in a state Republicans have generally carried comfortably in recent federal elections.
With early voting underway, both parties are concentrating on mobilizing supporters before Election Day.
Wednesday’s appearance gave Trump another opportunity to campaign directly for candidates aligned with his administration while reinforcing Republican priorities in the closing weeks of the election season.
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