Senator Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican, voiced strong support for fellow South Carolina Republican Senator Darline Graham on Sunday, August 23, ahead of her special GOP primary runoff election scheduled for this week. Scott dismissed concerns arising from Graham’s recent debate performance regarding national security.
Scott described Graham as the real deal, highly qualified, incredibly competent, and ready for primetime. He expressed high confidence in her ability to win Tuesday’s primary runoff, noting he waited several weeks before endorsing her to ensure she was prepared. Scott stated that as the senior senator for South Carolina, Graham is the person he wants in the Senate alongside him, calling it an easy choice.
Scott’s endorsement came days after Graham’s debate exchange with Representative Ralph Norman, her opponent in the runoff. When asked about Taiwan and the South China Sea as national security issues, Graham responded that she was not informed on national security matters but supported the military, citing her brother’s 33 years in the Air Force and her father’s Army service. She added that she is not a polished politician and national security is not her area of expertise, but she remains committed to supporting the military.
Graham was appointed last month to complete the remainder of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham’s, term after his unexpected death. Shortly after her appointment, she decided to run in a special election for a full term and quickly received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Following the special primary election, where both Graham and Norman advanced to a runoff, Scott also endorsed her.
Trump and Scott rallied in South Carolina on Friday in support of Graham’s campaign. Trump told voters that Graham only knows how to prioritize America and that they would be proud of their vote for her.
On Sunday, Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, also discussed competitive general election contests in states like Texas, Michigan, and Iowa slated for November. He defended the NRSC’s statements about Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who could become the first Muslim senator if elected. The NRSC has referenced El-Sayed’s faith in social media posts and alleged terrorist ties without evidence, leading to criticism from Democrats about inciting Islamophobia.
El-Sayed, in an interview this month, addressed GOP attacks portraying him as too radical, stating that he anticipated such tactics. He emphasized that believing people should afford groceries and have healthcare is not radical. He acknowledged attempts to stereotype him based on his name but asserted that America is larger than small-minded individuals.
Scott on Sunday pointed to El-Sayed’s campaigning with Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer who previously apologized for comments about the U.S. deserving the September 11 terrorist attacks. Scott remarked that the company one keeps matters. He added that despite El-Sayed denouncing Piker’s past comments, he has not ceased campaigning with him. Scott concluded that actions speak louder than words.
Regarding the Texas Senate race between GOP state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Representative James Talarico, Scott characterized Talarico as weird and radical. Scott demurred when asked about concerns regarding Paxton’s character and past, which includes a Justice Department investigation into alleged abuse of office to aid a political donor and a 2023 impeachment vote by the GOP-led Texas House. Paxton denied wrongdoing, claiming political motivation, faced no charges from the Justice Department, and was acquitted in a state Senate trial. Scott, who had endorsed Paxton’s primary opponent, Senator John Cornyn, did not directly answer questions about Paxton’s character for Senate service.
Instead, Scott criticized Talarico, stating that he lacks the character to serve in the United States Senate and holds positions out of step with Texans on key issues. Talarico has called the GOP attacks a distraction from allegations against Paxton, highlighting his legislative record and focus on bipartisanship as a state lawmaker. He noted his four terms in the Texas House, where he worked with both parties to pass 60 bipartisan bills on property taxes, teacher pay, housing costs, childcare, and prescription drugs, including insulin, and has called out extremes in both parties.
