A special Republican primary runoff election is scheduled for Tuesday in South Carolina to determine who will represent the party in the November general election for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Lindsey Graham’s death in July. The two finalists are Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister serving as his interim replacement, and Ralph Norman, a U.S. Representative with nearly two decades of experience in elected office.
Darline Graham has positioned herself as a Trump-aligned candidate, with the president endorsing her before she officially entered the race, campaigning on her behalf in the state, and having a super PAC aligned with him spend nearly $830,000 on her behalf in the final days before the runoff. Graham has emphasized her commitment to supporting Trump’s policy agenda, including co-sponsoring legislation the president has made a priority. Her campaign has centered on her current role as senator and her pledge to work on behalf of South Carolina voters, though she acknowledged limited expertise in foreign policy during the single runoff debate.
Norman has emphasized his extensive political experience, having served in state and federal office for two decades and recently finishing third in the Republican gubernatorial primary earlier this year. He secured endorsements from conservative figures including U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee, and received substantial financial support from allies of former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who has backed Norman’s candidacy. Norman has positioned himself as a highly conservative alternative, highlighting his willingness to take unpopular stances while largely supporting Trump’s policies, though he opposed Trump during the 2024 presidential primary.
During their debate, Graham faced criticism after struggling to answer a question about Taiwan and South China Sea policy, stating that national security was not her area of expertise. Norman responded to the same question by calling Taiwan a definite ally and praising Trump’s approach to enabling Taiwan’s defense capabilities. Norman has characterized Graham’s campaign as heavily managed by Washington interests, while Graham’s supporters argue the president’s backing demonstrates confidence in her ability to represent the state.
Annie Andrews, a Charleston physician, won the Democratic primary outright in June and will face the Republican runoff winner in the general election.
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