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Trump's MAGA Inc. spends over $827,000 ahead of South Carolina Senate primary runoff

The presidential super PAC deployed last-minute funds to support Sen. Darline Graham in her GOP runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman.

The short version

  • President Donald Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., spent over $827,000 on phone calls and texts to support Sen. Darline Graham in Tuesday's South Carolina Republican Senate runoff.
  • Graham, appointed following the death of her brother Sen. Lindsey Graham, is facing five-term Rep. Ralph Norman after receiving 33% of the primary vote to Norman's 25%.
  • The expenditure marks one of the few direct investments by MAGA Inc. on a single candidate this year, coming alongside a recent in-person rally hosted by Trump.
  • The winner of Tuesday's primary runoff will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the general election.

Key facts

  • MAGA Inc. spent more than $827,000 on voter phone calls and text messages supporting Sen. Darline Graham ahead of the Tuesday runoff.[Politico]
  • The South Carolina special Senate GOP primary runoff features appointed Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham on July 11.[PBS NewsHour]
  • In the August 11 special primary, Darline Graham placed first with about 33% of the vote, while Ralph Norman placed second with roughly 25%.[PBS NewsHour]
  • As of last week, MAGA Inc. reported holding over $403 million in total fundraising.[Politico]
  • The runoff winner will advance to the general election to compete against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews.[PBS NewsHour]

What remains uncertain

  • The final turnout and outcome of the runoff election remain unknown until polls close and votes are counted.[PBS NewsHour]

Sources