Evander Holyfield Joins Trump In South Carolina Rally Push
Nate Fair · Oct 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Boxing legend Evander Holyfield flew to South Carolina with President Trump on Wednesday afternoon. The pair delivered a strong push for the Republican Party in the midterm elections. This move comes as Trump tries to keep his party in control of Congress.
A Longtime Friendship
The two share a friendship that goes back to Trump’s days as a real estate tycoon in New York. Trump and his eldest son, Don Jr., even served as guest commentators for a boxing match in 2021. That fight featured Holyfield against Vitor Belfort on the Triller Fight Club pay-per-view.
Holyfield, 64, is a former heavyweight champion. He was born in Alabama and raised in Georgia. Trump is a longtime boxing fan who hosted many matches at his casinos in Atlantic City during the 1980s and 1990s.
The Campaign Trail
Trump hosted a campaign rally in Clemson for a candidate running to win Lindsey Graham’s seat. Following the late senator’s demise in June, the position became open. Trump has been a staunch supporter from the start, backing the appointment and the win in a special primary.
The state has long been a stronghold for the GOP. In the presidential election, Trump secured victory with a margin nearing 18 points. The President is doing a rally a day this week. A-list athletes have been accompanying him on this journey.
Focus on North Carolina
The push continues in North Carolina as Trump unveils new economic incentives. Two semiconductor production initiatives were announced within the Tar Heel State. New employment opportunities and millions of dollars flowing to the state constitute the objective. This effort is meant to help Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley against Democrat Roy Cooper.
Addressing a packed crowd, Trump declared Cooper a disgrace. He further stated that Cooper betrayed his highest and most sacred duty as governor to keep North Carolina safe.
Despite these efforts, a new poll shows Cooper leading Whatley by double digits. An Elon University poll shows Cooper at 52% and Whatley at 39%. Sen. Thom Tillis recently informed Politico that he anticipates the GOP will endure severe losses. He noted that Whatley has a “patently partisan resume,” including time as a lobbyist and state party chair.
Trump teased returning to North Carolina soon. A retiree told the Washington Examiner he hopes the visit helps the GOP. He did not “see how Trump’s visit can’t help but increase turnout,” according to the report.