On Tuesday, the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham took place at the historic Newberry Opera House in South Carolina. The two leading candidates, political newcomer Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, sparred over experience, campaign finance, and policy positions as the state’s voters prepare for a runoff next week.
Experience and résumé under fire
Graham, who was appointed to the Senate last month after her brother’s sudden death, faced repeated questions about her limited political background. When asked about Taiwan, the South China Sea and broader American security interests, she admitted, “I’m not on national security. I’m not that informed on national security, but I do support the military.” She added, “National security is not my thing.”
Norman seized on the comment, suggesting that Washington’s establishment was backing Graham. “Washington is with her,” he said, “They’re not with me, nor do I want them. I’ve never been subservient to anything in Washington.”
Foreign‑policy positions
Both candidates referenced President Donald Trump’s stance on Iran. Graham said she fully trusts Trump on the war in Iran, noting that Iran is “the weakest they have been in 47 years” and emphasizing the need to prevent a nuclear weapon. Norman echoed the Trump‑aligned view, positioning himself as the anti‑establishment alternative.
Graham also misstated South Carolina’s population, claiming the state has “50 million people,” a figure far above the actual 5.6 million. The error was noted by the audience and highlighted the experience gap.
COVID‑relief and data‑center regulation
The debate turned to pandemic‑era spending when Graham criticized Norman for receiving $600,000 in COVID‑relief funds while opposing extensions of benefits to laid‑off workers. “That’s a bit concerning for me,” she said.
On AI data‑center regulation, Graham expressed support for development but insisted on community involvement and local guardrails. Norman accused her of previously backing data centers unconditionally, a charge Graham refuted by emphasizing her call for community guidelines.
Shared positions and closing remarks
Both candidates agreed that Dr. Anthony Fauci should be jailed for invoking the Fifth Amendment during a Senate committee testimony, with Norman quipping, “He ought to be in an orange jumpsuit.”
In their closing statements, Norman warned that democratic socialism is the real opponent in American politics and pledged to vote for Trump’s election‑reform legislation. Graham countered by claiming she had accomplished more in her first 20 days as a senator than Norman had in 20 years, citing votes on a Russia sanctions bill, co‑sponsorship of conservative legislation, and confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche.
What’s next
Graham and Norman finished first and second in the special primary, triggering a runoff election next week. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election. Voters will weigh Graham’s brief but active Senate record against Norman’s emphasis on anti‑establishment credentials as the race heads toward the runoff.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
