Darline Graham gets Trump push as 'love gov' backs opponent

Key Points:

• Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) faced criticism for saying “national security is not my thing” during a Senate Republican runoff debate, but some political experts believe it was a strategic move to differentiate herself from opponent Rep. Ralph Norman.
• Graham is leveraging the comment to appear relatable and position Norman as a career politician, while benefiting from her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham’s political network and significant outside spending.
• Outside groups have spent millions against Norman, including the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition and Security is Strength PAC, which labeled Norman a “MAGA traitor.”
• Despite the backlash, former President Trump defended Graham’s comment as honest and supportive of the military, while Norman received an endorsement from former Gov. Mark Sanford, who cited concerns about the nation’s financial situation.
• The runoff election is highly competitive, with both candidates receiving high-profile endorsements and significant financial backing ahead of the vote to fill Lindsey Graham’s vacated Senate seat.