The sudden death of longtime Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11, 2026 triggered a special primary in South Carolina, turning what was once a safe Republican seat into a fiercely contested battle. The race now pits former congressman Ralph Norman, the GOP’s conservative standard‑bearer, against Darline Graham Nordone, the late senator’s sister, who has earned President Trump’s endorsement.
Trump backs Nordone to preserve Graham legacy
President Trump has stepped in to support Darline Graham Nordone, arguing that her experience in federal bureaucracy will provide continuity for the policies Graham championed. While some South Carolina conservatives have expressed displeasure, the President’s involvement underscores his commitment to maintaining a strong, experienced presence in the Senate.
Democratic candidate shifts to economic populism
Democrat Annie Andrews, initially viewed as a left‑of‑center contender, has pivoted toward economic populism, focusing on soaring fuel costs that many voters attribute to the administration’s foreign‑policy decisions. Andrews’ message resonates with motorists frustrated by the estimated $124.8 billion in additional fuel expenses since the President launched the Iran operation in February.
Spending totals reveal a tight race
According to Resonance Media analysis, $12.1 million was spent on the race from October 20‑26. Republicans outspent Democrats $6.27 million to $5.83 million during that week, while Democrats led in total bookings for the week at $6.90 million to $5.51 million, though those figures remain incomplete.
The Senate Leadership Fund contributed the largest single amount, dropping $3.73 million over the seven‑day period—roughly twice the amount spent by Andrews’ campaign. The Upstate region, encompassing Greenville and Spartanburg counties, attracted the most attention, with $4.26 million poured into advertising, about 35 % of all spending. Republicans invested $1.91 million there, while Democrats spent $2.35 million.
Regional spending patterns
In Charleston, a more centrist market, Republicans doubled Democratic spending, allocating $1.33 million for Nordone versus $664,000 for Andrews. The Florence‑Myrtle Beach and Columbia markets saw near‑even splits, each with roughly $1.96 million and $1.44 million respectively.
Overall, from October 19 onward, total booked spending has reached $28 million—$14.6 million for Democrats and $13.4 million for Republicans. A separate GOP analysis by strategist Kurt Pickhardt puts total expenditures since September 8 at $30.3 million.
What’s next?
Campaigns expect another $12.4 million in advertising between October 27 and the November 2 election day. As the race approaches, both sides are intensifying outreach to voters across the Palmetto State, hoping their spending translates into votes.
For South Carolina voters, the choice now hinges on whether to back the President‑endorsed Nordone, who promises to carry forward the Graham legacy, or to support Andrews, whose populist economic message targets the everyday concerns of motorists and families.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
