South Carolina GOP Primary to Replace Late Senator Lindsey Graham
Ten candidates, including Darline Graham (Lindsey Graham’s sister and interim appointee), Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch, are vying in a special Republican primary on August 10, 2026, to fill the late senator’s seat. Darline Graham, endorsed by President Trump and backed by the NRSC, is the front-runner, but a crowded field makes a runoff likely. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
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Trump Avoids Naming Ralph Norman at Rally for Darline Graham in South Carolina Runoff
President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on August 21, 2026, to support Senator Darline Graham in the upcoming GOP primary runoff against Representative Ralph Norman. Notably, Trump did not mention Norman by name during his 80-minute speech, avoiding direct attacks that could weaken Norman if he advances to the general election. The rally also featured praise for Representative Russell Fry, who finished third in the primary and endorsed Graham after Trump's intervention. Trump's appearance came after a series of primary setbacks on August 18, where three of his endorsed candidates lost in Florida and Wyoming. Meanwhile, Norman's campaign announced endorsements from Texas GOP Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self, CPAC, and over 20 state and local officials. Some Graham backers criticized Norman for delaying Trump's legislative agenda, including the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act.'
Trump avoids naming Ralph Norman while campaigning for Darline Graham in South Carolina runoff
During a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on August 21, 2026, President Donald Trump spent about 80 minutes on stage supporting Senator Darline Graham in her GOP primary runoff against five-term House member Ralph Norman. Notably, Trump never mentioned Norman by name, avoiding direct attacks that could weaken him for a potential general election. Instead, Trump praised Representative Russell Fry, who finished third in the primary and endorsed Graham after Trump's intervention. The rally came after Trump suffered primary defeats in Florida and Wyoming on August 18. Meanwhile, Norman's campaign announced endorsements from Texas GOP Representatives Chip Roy and Keith Self, CPAC, and over 20 state and local officials. Graham has faced criticism for admitting limited foreign policy knowledge during a debate, contrasting with her late brother Senator Lindsey Graham. Some Graham backers accuse Norman of obstructing Trump's legislative agenda, citing his role in negotiations over the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act.'
Darline Graham lands rich backing in South Carolina's GOP runoff election
Senator Darline Graham, running to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat in South Carolina, is receiving significant financial support from several deep-pocketed groups in the GOP runoff election against Representative Ralph Norman. The pro-green energy Invest in Tomorrow Coalition PAC is running TV ads accusing Norman of disloyalty to President Trump, while the National Republican Senatorial Committee is funding digital ads highlighting Graham's stance on transgender athletes. Two PACs linked to Lindsey Graham, Security is Strength PAC and Palmetto Action, are also spending on her behalf. Former President Trump has endorsed Graham and plans to campaign with her. The winner of the runoff is expected to win the general election in the solidly Republican state. The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition previously spent against other House Freedom Caucus members who lost their primaries.
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Russell Fry endorses Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate primary runoff
South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry has endorsed Sen. Darline Graham in the upcoming Aug. 25 Republican primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. Fry, who finished third in the special primary election, had previously criticized Graham over DEI accusations but now backs her, citing the need for fighters and allies in the Senate. The endorsement came at the behest of President Donald Trump, who has also endorsed Graham. Fry joins other prominent South Carolina Republicans like Sen. Tim Scott and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in supporting Graham. The runoff will determine the Republican nominee to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on the November ballot.
Read sourceRussell Fry Endorses Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate Primary Runoff
South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry has endorsed Darline Graham in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Fry, who finished third in the initial primary, backed Graham after previously criticizing her during the campaign. The endorsement follows pressure from President Donald Trump, who has also endorsed Graham and plans to campaign for her in South Carolina. Graham, appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to fill the remainder of her brother's term, faces Rep. Ralph Norman in the August 25 runoff. Other prominent Republicans, including Sen. Tim Scott and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, have also backed Graham. Fry's shift from critic to supporter highlights the consolidation of party establishment support behind Graham ahead of the decisive runoff.
Russell Fry endorses Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate primary runoff
South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry has endorsed Sen. Darline Graham in the upcoming Aug. 25 Republican primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. Fry, who finished third in the special primary election, had previously criticized Graham over DEI issues but now backs her, citing the need for fighters and allies in the Senate. The endorsement came at the behest of President Donald Trump, who has also pledged to campaign for Graham. Graham, appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat, is consolidating support from key Republicans including Sen. Tim Scott and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. The runoff will determine the Republican nominee for the November ballot.
Read sourceTim Scott backs Darline Graham in Senate runoff
Senator Tim Scott has endorsed Darline Graham in the South Carolina Senate special primary runoff election. The runoff is to replace Senator Lindsey Graham, and features Darline Graham and Representative Ralph Norman as the two GOP candidates advancing from the primary. The race has drawn national attention, with campaign events including Chick-fil-A stops and calls from former President Donald Trump. Multiple news outlets, including Politico, The New York Times, NPR, PBS, and NBC News, are covering the developments and live results of the election.
Read sourceSouth Carolina GOP Primary: Darline Graham and Ralph Norman Advance to Runoff
The South Carolina Republican Party is holding a special primary election to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July. His sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed to the Senate on an interim basis by the state's governor, has advanced to a runoff against Representative Ralph Norman. Darline Graham, a former disability advocate and commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who called her 'a true American Patriot.' Norman, a staunch Trump ally who encouraged the President to declare martial law before Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration, has been endorsed by high-profile MAGA figures including Senator Mike Lee and Representative Nancy Mace. The runoff election is scheduled for late August.
Read sourceSouth Carolina GOP Primary: Darline Graham and Ralph Norman Advance to Runoff
The South Carolina Republican Party is holding a special primary election to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July. His sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed to the Senate on an interim basis by the state's governor, has advanced to a runoff against Representative Ralph Norman. Darline Graham previously served as a disability advocate and commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Norman, a staunch ally of Donald Trump, encouraged the President to declare martial law before Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration and has been endorsed by high-profile MAGA figures including Senator Mike Lee and Representative Nancy Mace. However, Trump himself has endorsed Darline Graham, calling her 'a true American Patriot.' The runoff election is scheduled for late August.
Read sourceSouth Carolina GOP Primary: Darline Graham and Ralph Norman Advance to Runoff
The South Carolina Republican Party held a special primary election to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July. His younger sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed to the Senate on an interim basis by the state's governor, advanced to a runoff election against Representative Ralph Norman. Darline Graham previously served as a disability advocate and commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Norman, a staunch ally of Donald Trump, had encouraged the President to declare martial law before Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration and has been endorsed by several high-profile MAGA figures, including Senator Mike Lee and Congresswoman Nancy Mace. However, Trump himself endorsed Darline Graham, calling her 'a true American Patriot.' The runoff election is scheduled for late August.
Darline Graham Advances to GOP Primary Runoff for Late Brother Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat
Senator Darline Graham, R-S.C., a political newcomer appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate term after his sudden death, advanced to a runoff in the special Republican primary on August 12, 2026. With 99% of votes counted, Graham led with 32.7% against Rep. Ralph Norman's 24.6%. The runoff is set for August 25. Graham thanked President Donald Trump for his endorsement and touted passage of a Russia sanctions bill as an early achievement. She appeared to criticize Norman, vowing to spend the next two weeks listening to voters, and expressed hope Trump would campaign for her.
Read sourceDarline Graham will face Ralph Norman in South Carolina Senate runoff
South Carolina Senator Darline Graham, appointed after her brother Lindsey Graham's death, advanced to a Republican primary runoff against Representative Ralph Norman. With over 95% of votes counted, Graham led a 10-candidate field with 33%, followed by Norman at 24%. President Donald Trump endorsed Graham and plans to campaign for her. Both candidates embrace Trump's MAGA agenda, though Norman previously backed Nikki Haley in the 2024 primaries. Norman, a House Freedom Caucus member, emphasizes his congressional experience, while Graham, a political newcomer, highlights her support for Trump's policies including tougher immigration and voter ID measures. The runoff is scheduled for August 25, 2026.
Read sourceDarline Graham will face Ralph Norman in South Carolina Senate runoff
South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham, appointed after her brother Lindsey Graham's death, advanced to a Republican special primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. With over 95% of votes counted, Graham led a 10-candidate field with 33%, followed by Norman at 24%. President Donald Trump endorsed Graham and plans to campaign for her. The runoff is set for August 25. Norman, a House Freedom Caucus member and former gubernatorial candidate, emphasizes his congressional experience against Graham, a political newcomer. Graham supports Trump's MAGA agenda including tougher immigration and voter ID measures. She previously led the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Read sourceDarline Graham will face Ralph Norman in South Carolina Senate runoff
South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham, appointed after her brother Lindsey Graham's death, advanced to a Republican special primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. With over 95% of votes counted, Graham led a 10-candidate field with 33%, followed by Norman at 24%. President Donald Trump endorsed Graham and plans to campaign for her. Norman, a House Freedom Caucus member and former gubernatorial candidate, emphasizes his congressional experience against Graham, a political newcomer. The runoff is set for August 25. Graham supports Trump's MAGA agenda, including tougher immigration and voter ID measures, while Norman also embraces the agenda despite backing Nikki Haley in 2024 before endorsing Trump.
Read sourceLindsey Graham's Sister Denies Being Handed Senate Seat Despite Appointment
Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, insists she is not a 'nepo senator' despite being appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to fill her brother's seat. In a NewsNation interview, she stated she must earn voters' trust and is working hard ahead of the special primary election. The decision to run for a full term, rather than serving as a caretaker, has drawn criticism from MAGA personalities who called her 'idiotic.' President Donald Trump has endorsed her, but conservatives question her credentials, noting her only political donation was to a state senator who helped kill an abortion ban, and she did not vote in the 2024 presidential primary or the 2016 general election. The Washington Post reports that no candidate is expected to reach 50% of the vote, making a runoff likely, and low turnout could hurt Graham's chances.
Lindsey Graham's Sister Denies Nepotism in South Carolina Senate Race
Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, insists she was not handed his Senate seat despite being appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. In a NewsNation interview, she stated she must earn voters' support. The special primary election to replace Lindsey Graham is underway, with Darline Graham facing criticism from MAGA personalities who called her run 'idiotic.' President Donald Trump has endorsed her, but conservatives question her credentials and lack of involvement in right-wing causes. Her only recorded political donation was to a state senator who helped kill an abortion ban, and she did not vote in the 2024 presidential primary or the 2016 general election. The Washington Post reports no candidate is expected to reach 50%, making a runoff likely, and low turnout may hurt Graham's chances.
Lindsey Graham's Sister Denies Nepotism in Senate Appointment
Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, insists she was not handed his Senate seat despite being appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. In a NewsNation interview on the day of the special primary election to replace her brother, she stated she must earn voters' trust. Her decision to run for a full term, rather than serve as a caretaker, drew criticism from MAGA figures who called her 'idiotic.' President Donald Trump endorsed her, but conservatives question her credentials, noting her only political donation was to a state senator who helped kill an abortion ban, and she did not vote in the 2024 presidential primary or 2016 general election. The Washington Post reports no candidate is expected to reach 50%, making a runoff likely, and low turnout may hurt Graham's chances.
Read sourceWhat to know about South Carolina’s election to replace Lindsey Graham
South Carolina is holding a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Lindsey Graham, who resigned to become Vice President under Donald Trump. The Republican primary features several candidates, including Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's sister, who seeks to inherit the seat and continue her brother's legacy. The election is seen as a test of the state's fiercely independent political identity. Key issues include loyalty to Trump, conservative values, and local governance. The primary results will determine the Republican nominee for the general election, with the winner likely favored in the heavily Republican state.
Read sourceSouth Carolina GOP Special Primary Election to Replace Late Senator Lindsey Graham
The South Carolina Republican Party is holding a special primary election to select a nominee to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July. The front-runner is Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's younger sister, who was appointed interim senator by Governor Henry McMaster. Darline Graham, a former disability advocate and commissioner for the blind, has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Her main opponent is Congressman Ralph Norman, a staunch Trump ally who encouraged martial law in 2021 and is backed by MAGA figures like Senator Mike Lee and Representative Nancy Mace. Other candidates include Congressman Russell Fry, former Governor Mark Sanford, and former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who lost a 2022 House race to Nancy Mace, in the November general election.
Read sourceSouth Carolina GOP Special Primary Election Results to Replace Late Senator Lindsey Graham
The South Carolina Republican Party is holding a special primary election to select a nominee to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July. The front-runner is Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's younger sister, who was appointed to the Senate on an interim basis by Governor Henry McMaster. Darline Graham, a former disability advocate and commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who called her 'a true American Patriot.' Her main opponent is Congressman Ralph Norman, a staunch Trump ally who encouraged martial law before Biden's 2021 inauguration and is endorsed by MAGA figures like Senator Mike Lee and Representative Nancy Mace. Other candidates include Congressman Russell Fry, former Governor Mark Sanford, and former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who lost a 2022 congressional race to Representative Mace.
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