Senator Lindsey Graham faces South Carolina voters on Tuesday with President Trump's backing, despite their bitter history. Once a vocal critic who called Trump a 'demagogue' and 'world's biggest jackass,' Graham has spent years rebuilding their relationship through golf outings and public praise.

The transformation began after Trump's 2016 victory when mutual friends arranged a reconciliation lunch in March 2017. Graham's 2020 primary win with Trump's endorsement proved the alliance's effectiveness, though MAGA supporters still booed him at rallies. Their bond fractured briefly over election challenges and abortion policy before mending.

Campaign spending reveals the stakes: Graham and allies invested $15 million promoting Trump's support, while challenger Mark Lynch spent nearly $5 million attacking Graham's loyalty. Trump branded Lynch a 'lunatic' and credited Graham as 'so great' in a tele-rally Monday.

Graham needs a majority to avoid a June 23 runoff that would drain resources and expose continued base skepticism. His pitch to voters: Trump endorsed him, not his opponents, making him the best choice to advance the president's agenda in Washington.