Trump tells his supporters to pretend he's on the ballot in November and vote in the midterms

Trump made the comment at a South Carolina rally for Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, who is seeking the Republican nomination for Senate.

Published: August 21, 2026 8:11pm

President Donald Trump told his supporters in a speech Friday night to pretend that his name is on the ballot in the November midterms and vote for his candidates in the election.

Trump commented on the turnout at the rally, which he claimed had over 1,000 people still waiting outside, and said although he is not running in November, he's supporting South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham and needs to get her elected.

"The problem that we have is they say 'Trump does great when he's on the ballot, but when he's not on the ballot, his people don't come and they don't vote for senators, congressmen or other Republicans,'" Trump said.

"So what I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot," he continued. "Just come and vote. It's so important. Just say that I'm on the ballot one more time."

Trump warned that if Republicans lose the general election, then all the progress his administration has made will be undone, including tax cuts and a closed border. He also warned he would be impeached.

"These are lunatics," he said. "These are people that are vicious, violent, that weaponize the justice system, and want to destroy our country. They want to see our country fail. You have to get out and vote in the midterms." 

Graham, who is running for her late brother former Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat, is first running in a special runoff for the Republican nomination next week against South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman. The winner will advance to the general.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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