South Carolina voters headed to the polls on Tuesday for a runoff Republican primary that will decide who will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November Senate election. The contest pits Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, against U.S. Representative Ralph Norman.
Candidates and endorsements
Darline Graham, 62, was appointed to fill her brother’s seat after his death in July. She has never held elected office, though she has worked advocating for people with physical disabilities. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Graham and held a rally in Myrtle Beach on Friday, emphasizing his own presence on the ballot.
Rep. Ralph Norman, 73, is a longtime real‑estate developer and has served nearly a decade in the House. He is a former member of the House Freedom Caucus and endorsed former Governor Nikki Haley in her 2024 presidential bid. Norman supports many of Trump’s policy priorities, including stricter voting requirements and opposition to congressional limits on the war in Iran.
Campaign dynamics
The race has drawn attention as a test of Trump’s influence in the 2026 midterms. A former Senate Republican aide noted Graham’s limited political experience and questioned whether Trump’s endorsement alone can carry her to victory.
Trump posted on Truth Social defending the power of his endorsements, saying that candidates who lost after receiving his backing were “good people” he felt obligated to support.
MAGA INC., a super PAC that backs Trump, has spent $827,711 on Graham, according to a recent Federal Election Commission filing.
Issues and voter concerns
Graham used the Myrtle Beach rally to address a perceived misstep in a debate where she admitted limited knowledge of national security, a field her late brother had mastered. She shifted focus to domestic issues that resonate with South Carolina voters, including Trump’s immigration clampdown on illegal immigrants and her pro-life advocacy.
Norman, while aligning with many of Trump’s initiatives, has a reputation for occasionally resisting Republican leadership demands in the House, a factor some observers say could shape his approach if he becomes a senator.
Election results so far
In the initial primary, Graham captured 32.7% of the vote and Norman 24.6%, leading to the runoff. The outcome will determine the Republican nominee for the November 3 election, a race that could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
South Carolina remains a deep‑red state that has consistently supported Trump in his three presidential campaigns, suggesting the Republican nominee will have a strong base heading into the general election.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
