Trump to Rally in Rock Hill on Thursday

President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Rock Hill on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The Republican National Committee announced the visit on Monday. It marks Trump's second trip to South Carolina in October and his third of the year. The exact venue for the Rock Hill event has not been released yet. Gates will open at 9 a.m., and Trump is scheduled to begin speaking at 12:30 p.m.

The rally supports U.S. Sen. Darline Graham in her bid to win the seat previously held by her late brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham to finish the current term. Her main opponent is Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic candidate.

The timing of the visit comes as internal divisions surface within the state's conservative base. Some Republican voters are publicly distancing themselves from Graham. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, who won the Aug. 25 Republican primary runoff in York and Anderson counties, said last week that his family would not vote for Graham. However, Norman stated he remains loyal to his prior support for her.

Norman's son, Warren Norman, added to the political chatter over the weekend. He said he is leaning toward voting for Andrews. On Monday morning, Andrews announced she has the backing of two former governors: Republican David Beasley and Democrat Jim Hodges. No other speakers or elected officials have been confirmed for the Rock Hill event.

Voting is underway in South Carolina for the Nov. 3 election. As of 10 a.m. on Monday, 501,944 state residents had already cast early ballots. Graham and Andrews are joined on the ballot by two third-party candidates: Mark Hackett of the Constitution Party and Kasie Whitener of the Libertarian Party.

The Rock Hill stop is one leg of a multi-state tour for Trump this week. He is also scheduled to rally in Mississippi, Texas, Ohio, and Florida before Election Day.