10 Candidates Vie for Lindsey Graham's Seat in South Carolina Special Election Primary

Published Aug 10, 03:41 PM UTC

Three days after the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister Darline Graham was sworn in to complete his term. With encouragement from President Donald Trump, she is seeking a full six-year term. The Republican special election primary to replace him on the November ballot features 10 candidates, including Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch. Limited polling suggests the race is fluid, and the large field makes a runoff on August 25 likely. Darline Graham, who has inherited her brother's PAC, committee assignments, and staff, is backed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Ralph Norman recently finished third in the gubernatorial primary, while Russell Fry is running for both the House and Senate. The primary is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10, 2026.