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Darline Graham, the sister of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, has advanced to a Republican runoff for South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat, setting up an August 25 contest against U.S. Representative Ralph Norman.
Graham, who has never held elected office, was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to complete her brother’s Senate term through early January following his unexpected death from a heart ailment. President Donald Trump endorsed her campaign for a full six-year Senate term, describing her candidacy as a “fabulous tribute” to her brother.
The endorsement has sparked controversy among some Republicans, who argue that Graham is benefiting from her family name and Trump’s support rather than an established political record. Graham has pushed back against those criticisms, saying she is not being handed the Senate seat and understands that she must earn voters’ support.
Ten Republicans competed in Tuesday’s special primary, but no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote. With 80% of ballots counted, the Associated Press projected Graham in first place with 32.6%, followed by Norman with slightly more than 24%. The runoff winner will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who had more than $3 million in campaign funds at the beginning of July.
The South Carolina Senate race is also being closely watched because Republicans are seeking to maintain their control of Congress. Trump won South Carolina by nearly 18 percentage points in 2024, but questions remain about how influential his endorsement will be in the Senate contest.
Former Governor Mark Sanford, Representative Russell Fry and businessman Mark Lynch were among the other Republican candidates. Lynch, who received more than 130,000 votes in the June primary, argued that some Republican voters were seeking a change rather than another Graham term.
Meanwhile, Alabama Republicans selected state Representative Rhett Marques as their candidate in a redrawn House district. Marques will challenge Democratic incumbent Shomari Figures in a race that could affect the Republican effort to retain its narrow House majority.
