Senator Darline Graham and Representative Ralph Norman will advance to an August 25 runoff in the South Carolina special Republican primary for the United States Senate. The two candidates emerged from a crowded field of 10 Republican contenders after neither candidate secured at least 50% of the vote during Tuesday’s primary election. The winner of the runoff will face the Democratic nominee, pediatrician Dr. Annie Andrews, in the November general election.
Appointment of Darline Graham to the U.S. Senate
The special primary was initiated following the sudden death of four-term senator Lindsey Graham last month. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister, to serve out the remainder of his term. Senate on July 14, 2026. Because the late senator had already secured the nomination in June, Republicans were required to select a new candidate for the November ballot for a full six-year term.
Darline Graham and the South Carolina Commission for the Blind
Darline Graham, 62, has no prior experience in elected office. Her professional background includes a career in disability services, most recently serving as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Following her appointment, she announced her intention to run for a full term with the encouragement and endorsement of President Donald Trump. Despite the president’s backing, Graham faced a primary challenge from a field that included Representative Ralph Norman, Representative Russell Fry, and former Governor Mark Sanford. Recent polling from the Trafalgar Group had indicated that Norman, Fry, and Sanford were polling within a point of each other heading into the primary.
Addressing the challenges of the campaign trail, Graham told reporters in Florence, South Carolina, on Saturday, This campaign schedule has been absolutely brutal. But you know what, I’m still standing, I’m still going and that shows you how strong I am.
Legislative activity of Senator Darline Graham
During her short tenure in Washington, Graham has sought to highlight her legislative activity. Addressing reporters after casting her ballot on Tuesday, she noted that she had run a state agency and transformed it from a struggling organization into a national model, which she believes is valuable experience to bring to the table. She also pointed to her role in the confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche and the passage of a sanctions bill targeting buyers of Russian oil and gas, a policy long championed by her late brother. She stated that she had cast the deciding vote for Todd Blanche as attorney general and therefore believes she has accomplished a great deal in three weeks.
Representative Ralph Norman and the 5th Congressional District
Representative Ralph Norman, who has represented South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District since 2017 and previously served two terms in state office, has emphasized the need for new leadership. Norman told supporters that he senses an electricity in this race. He added that he sees people wanting to get involved, which he believes could not come at a better time, noting that the country is at a tipping point and he wants to ensure it tips in the right direction.
The primary results have raised questions regarding the influence of President Trump’s endorsement in the race. While Graham has trumpeted the president’s support, she has also received backing from Governor Henry McMaster and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Some Republican voters, however, have expressed independent views. Bob Howell, a voter in Lexington, South Carolina, told NBC News that while he understands she has lost a brother and someone very special to her and sympathizes with that, he does not believe it is necessary to simply give her the nomination. Regarding the president’s endorsement, Howell added that although he likes President Trump, he does not think that necessarily sways his vote.
On election night, Graham reflected on the personal difficulty of the campaign. She told supporters that it was a very emotional night because she is usually standing there celebrating with Lindsey. She added that she knows he is looking down right now and smiling, which gives her peace because the situation is difficult.
The runoff on August 25 will determine which Republican candidate will appear on the ballot against Dr. Annie Andrews. While the field was broad, the focus has now narrowed to the two candidates who will compete to represent the Palmetto State for a full six-year term.