Sen. Darline Graham wins the Republican Senate primary runoff in South Carolina
Trump-backed Darline Graham won with about 52.5% of the vote and will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November election.
- On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, South Carolina voters chose Senator Darline Graham as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate. Graham defeated Representative Ralph Norman with 52.4% of the vote, advancing to the November 3 general election against Democrat Annie Andrews.
- Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham to the seat in July following the unexpected death of her brother, the late Senator Lindsey Graham. She then sought a full term, backed by President Donald Trump's swift endorsement and campaign support.
- During the campaign, Graham faced criticism for her debate performance, where she admitted, "I'm not that informed on national security." Her campaign benefited from over $827,000 in spending by the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc., helping her overcome Representative Norman's legislative experience.
- Representative Ralph Norman conceded Tuesday, pledging, "I will support the Republican. I will not support a Democrat." Norman, who had endorsed Nikki Haley over Trump in 2024, faced significant financial disadvantage from Trump-aligned groups throughout the runoff.
- Graham enters the November 3 general election as heavy favorite against Charleston pediatrician Annie Andrews for a full six-year term. South Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1998, positioning Republicans to retain the seat.
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Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP runoff
What happenedSen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) on Tuesday won the Republican primary to succeed her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, defeating hard-right Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) 52% to 48%. At President Donald Trump’s urging, Gov. Henry McMaster (R) last month appointed Graham to serve out the last six months of her brother’s term. Trump’s pick for Oklahoma governor, businessman Mike Mazzei, also narrowly beat state Attorney General Gentner Drum…
South Carolina Primary Results: Darline Graham Wins GOP Senate Nomination With Donald Trump's Backing
President Donald Trump secured an important political victory on Tuesday, 25 August, as the closely watched South Carolina primary results showed Darline Graham securing the Republican Senate nomination. She narrowly defeated US Representative Ralph Norman in a bitter special primary runoff. The result followed a difficult stretch for the president's political operation. Trump-backed candidates have suffered losses in at least 10 primary races t…
Sen. Darline Graham wins South Carolina primary – The Horn News
U.S. Sen. Darline Graham won the Republican nomination to replace her late brother on South Carolina’s general election ballot, notching another win for President Donald Trump after he threw his support behind the political newcomer. Graham defeated U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman in Tuesday’s special Republican primary runoff, two weeks after they were the top two finishers in a 10-way primary. Despite being a political unknown, Graham bested some of So…
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