Tim Scott to join Trump for South Carolina rally

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is set to join former President Trump for a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday. 

Scott, a rumored contender to become Trump’s vice presidential running mate, will rally with the GOP front-runner in Charleston 10 days before the Palmetto State primary, Scott spokesperson Nathan Brand told The Hill. 

Since dropping out of the GOP presidential race in November, Scott has become a top Trump surrogate and a serious contender in the hypothetical veepstakes as Trump appears on track to secure the Republican nod. 

But Trump still faces Nikki Haley, the last major candidate battling to cut into the former president’s lead. 

South Carolina’s Feb. 24 GOP primary is particularly critical for Haley, who was formerly governor of the state. 

The Hill-Decision Desk HQ polling average puts Trump up by nearly 35 points in South Carolina, and Haley is under pressure to avoid an embarrassing finish on her home turf.

Appearing on stage with Scott after a New Hampshire victory last month, Trump quipped that the South Carolina senator “must really hate Haley” to endorse Trump — because Haley appointed Scott to the Senate in 2012. 

Haley’s campaign will be posting a mobile billboard outside the Charleston rally on Wednesday, rolling a video that calls out the former president for his rhetoric on soldiers and veterans. She’s been hammering Trump on the issue after Trump questioned why her husband, who is serving overseas, isn’t with her on the campaign trail. 

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R), both of whom have previously appeared at campaign events for Trump, are also expected to be at the rally. 

Caroline Vakil and Brett Samuels contributed. 

Updated at 3:42 p.m.