Virginia Gov. Youngkin headlines main South Carolina GOP event, Trump phones in

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin made his first political trip on Saturday to South Carolina, the first-in-the-South presidential primary state.

Youngkin headlined the state Republican Party's annual Silver Elephant Gala, a major fundraiser for the party now in its 58th year.

South Carolina and Virginia share a "common passion for liberty and freedom," said Youngkin, speaking to more than 700 attendees. "A common recognition that we have rights that were granted, not by a king and not by a dictator but by an almighty creator."

Youngkin joins a long list of notable and up-and-coming Republicans, like President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who have spoken at the event.

The Silver Elephant Gala dates back to 1967, with then-California Gov. Ronald Reagan was its first ever keynote speaker.

It is considered the state GOP's largest fundraiser each year.

Youngkin hasn't declared his plans after 2026.

In Virginia, governors can't serve consecutive terms, which means Youngkin must leave the governor's office when his term ends next year.

But if his travel to other early voting states, like Iowa last month, is any indicator, Youngkin appears to be leaving his political options open.

"He's been a successful governor in a purple state, which says a lot about him and his agenda," state GOP Chairman Drew McKissick told SC Public Radio.

"The temptation is always to think too far down the line when, right now, the most important thing" is the 2026 midterms, McKissick added.

On the other side of the political aisle, Democratic governors have been testing the South Carolina 2028 waters.

In May, the South Carolina Democratic Party held its own fundraiser, the Blue Palmetto Dinner, headlined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the party's 2024 vice presidential candidate, also attended and spoke.

And California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear have both visited South Carolina to speak to voters.

More Republicans hoping to possibly make their case to southern voters are headed back to the Palmetto State later this month.

Congresswoman Sheri Biggs, a freshman who represents the 3rd Congressional District, will hold a Salute to Liberty event in Anderson on Aug. 18.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who spoke at the Silver Elephant dinner in 2020, is set to headline Biggs's event.

And Congressman Russell Fry, who represents the 7th Congressional District, is scheduled to hold his second annual Freedom Fry in Myrtle Beach on the same day.

Conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings is the keynote speaker.

Fry has confirmed Sen. Lindsey Graham and Congressman Joe Wilson, in addition to candidates for governor, will also attend.

Trump makes surprise appearance — by phone

Early in the night, Graham teased a surprise.

That surprise came through on stage by way of Graham's cellphone, as Trump's voice came through the speaker.

Trump praised the state's Republican voters for sending him to the White House. And he praised Gov. Henry McMaster and his wife, Peggy, and McKissick.

But no praise was more clear than when he put his endorsement — again — behind Graham in his Senate race next year.

"I don't think it's going to be a contest," Trump said of Graham's Senate race.

Graham said he played golf earlier Saturday with Trump and former South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy and John Ratcliffe, the director of the CIA.

One of Graham's GOP challengers, Paul Dans, was in the room Saturday.

Dans told reporters anytime Republicans can hear from Trump is a great night. But he said the moment "smacked of desperation" for Graham.

Maayan Schechter contributed to this report.