Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) expressed unwavering support for Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary runoff, telling NBC's "Meet the Press" that he is "very confident" she will prevail against Rep. Ralph Norman (R).
During the Sunday interview, host Kristen Welker pressed Scott on his confidence level, prompting the senior senator from South Carolina to explain why he delayed his endorsement for 30 days before backing Graham. "It's one of the reasons why I waited 30 days to make sure that I felt like she was ready," Scott said. "I can tell you, as the senior senator, for the great state of South Carolina, the person I want in the Senate with me, Darline Graham, representing the people of South Carolina. Easy choice."
The runoff was triggered after no candidate secured a majority in the initial primary earlier this month. Graham and Norman are vying for the GOP nomination to fill the seat currently held by Graham, who was appointed to finish the term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
Scott also addressed concerns about Graham's debate performance, particularly her admission that she was "not that informed on national security" when asked about Taiwan and the South China Sea. He dismissed the slip-up as a non-issue, citing her broader qualifications. "One other thing that's really important: I watched her on the campaign trail. I watched her go through two funerals for her brother, and then I watched her carefully for 30 days in the Senate, casting deciding votes for the AG [attorney general], working on getting her first bill passed, the Russia sanctions bill. What did I assess? Highly qualified, incredibly competent, ready for primetime," Scott said.
President Trump has also rallied behind Graham, defending her after the debate gaffe. "She's very smart, and she was being honest. She's into the price of groceries. ... She is going to do what the military wants, and really what the president wants," Trump said Friday before heading to Myrtle Beach for a rally with Graham. Trump's endorsement has been a central factor in the race, and his campaign appearances for Graham underscore the stakes for the president's political capital.
Scott's public backing adds another layer of establishment support for Graham, who is seeking to hold the seat for the GOP in November. The race has drawn national attention, with former Gov. Mark Sanford endorsing Norman, citing fiscal concerns. The runoff will test the strength of Trump's endorsement in a state where he remains highly popular.
Political observers note that Graham's path to victory hinges on turnout, particularly in the coastal regions where her late brother held strong support. Norman, a conservative firebrand, has tried to position himself as the more authentic conservative, but Scott's endorsement could help Graham consolidate moderate and establishment voters.
The winner will face the Democratic nominee in November, though the seat is widely considered safe Republican territory. Scott, who has frequently weighed in on foreign policy, emphasized that Graham's Senate experience, even if brief, has prepared her for the job.
As the runoff approaches, both campaigns are making final pushes. Graham has leaned on her personal story and endorsements from Scott and Trump, while Norman has highlighted his legislative record and conservative credentials. The outcome will be closely watched as a bellwether for the GOP's direction in the post-Trump era.
