President Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., has injected more than $827,000 into Senator Darline Graham's Republican primary runoff in South Carolina, according to a Federal Election Commission filing made public Monday. The expenditure marks the group's most substantial independent outlay in months, underscoring Trump's intensified involvement in the midterm elections.
The filing reveals MAGA Inc.'s first independent expenditure since March, when it spent $18,000 backing now-Rep. Clay Fuller in a Georgia special election. Earlier, the group had committed over $1 million to support now-Rep. Matt Van Epps in Tennessee's race to succeed former Rep. Mark Green.
The infusion of cash comes as Trump has publicly signaled a willingness to deploy his substantial war chest to aid Republican candidates. Speaking to reporters before a rally for Graham last week, Trump boasted, "Well, I've raised a lot, and nobody knows what it is, but I will tell you it's about $850 million. I'll be spending a lot of that money for — and my own money — but I'll be spending a lot of that money for candidates that I think are good, Republican candidates."
He added, "We're in very good shape."
MAGA Inc.'s spending in South Carolina is part of a broader strategy to bolster GOP incumbents and challengers as the party struggles to defend narrow majorities in both chambers. According to invitations obtained by CBS News, the super PAC is planning two $1 million-per-person fundraisers this fall, one at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia and another at Mar-a-Lago.
The heavy investment in Graham's race highlights the importance of the South Carolina runoff, which pits the incumbent against a challenger backed by some conservative factions. Trump's endorsement and financial backing could prove decisive in a contest that has drawn national attention.
Political analysts note that Trump's willingness to spend heavily in primaries reflects his desire to shape the party's direction, rewarding loyalists and punishing critics. The move also signals a shift from his earlier reluctance to engage in competitive primaries, as he now appears eager to use his fundraising prowess to influence outcomes.
Republicans face an uphill battle to retain control of the House and Senate, with several competitive races expected in the fall. Trump's involvement, coupled with his fundraising network, is seen as a critical asset for the party, though it also carries risks if his preferred candidates stumble in general elections.
As the runoff approaches, Graham's campaign is likely to benefit from the late-stage advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts funded by MAGA Inc. The outcome will be closely watched as a barometer of Trump's influence within the GOP.
