Sen. Darline Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Primary

Senator Darline Graham has prevailed over Representative Ralph Norman in South Carolina’s Republican primary runoff, according to projections by NBC News. This victory marks a significant triumph for President Donald Trump, who played a pivotal role in recruiting, endorsing, and campaigning for her following the passing of her brother, Lindsey Graham, six weeks ago.

With nearly all votes counted, Graham leads Norman with approximately 52% to 48%. Trump’s endorsement of Graham was substantial, involving an in-person rally in Myrtle Beach and a tele-rally shortly before the election, alongside a final $830,000 push from his super PAC. During the Myrtle Beach rally, Trump explained his support for Graham by emphasizing her widespread respect and popularity among voters. He also mentioned that his endorsement served as a tribute to the late Lindsey Graham. “She only knows how to put America first,” Trump stated, encouraging voters to support her.

Senator Darline Graham, age 62, held a campaign event on August 19 at Holt Bros BBQ in Florence, as captured by Sean Rayford for Getty Images. Graham now prepares to face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November general election. Given South Carolina’s Republican leaning, she is heavily favored. To defeat Norman, who has spent nearly a decade in Congress, Graham overcame criticisms of nepotism and her relative inexperience, having never run for office before. However, she previously managed a state agency assisting blind individuals.

Graham secured first place in the initial primary with 33% but did not reach the 50% necessary to avoid a runoff. The final weeks leading to the runoff were marked by a slip-up during a debate, where Graham admitted limited knowledge on national security issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. This was particularly noteworthy considering her brother Lindsey Graham’s extensive experience in national security matters during his time in the Air Force.

Throughout her campaign, Graham emphasized her focus on domestic policy, particularly affordability. Trump remarked, “Her brother was very much about the world. … That’s good, that’s fine. But she’s more about affordability.” Both siblings have highlighted their modest backgrounds, having been raised in a single room next to their family’s bar and pool hall.

In the closing days of the campaign, Graham positioned herself as a successor to her brother’s legacy while being a supporting vote for Trump. One advertisement outlined her sponsorship of a significant Russia sanctions bill named after her brother and her vote to confirm Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche.

Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden passing on July 11, following a trip to Ukraine, initiated a tumultuous period in South Carolina Republican politics. Darline Graham was sworn in shortly afterward to complete her brother’s term. Despite Trump’s endorsements, her appointment attracted various contenders for the position, including Norman, Rep. Russell Fry, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and self-funded businessman Mark Lynch.

Norman, previously agitating Trump by endorsing Nikki Haley for president, has regularly opposed Trump’s policies, notably resisting the “One Big Beautiful Bill” before ultimately supporting it after negotiating adjustments.

This runoff divided conservatives, with Darline Graham benefiting from endorsements by Trump, Governor Henry McMaster, and Senator Tim Scott. Norman had support from Mark Meadows, Nancy Mace, and former Gov. Mark Sanford.

During the runoff, Norman excelled in his congressional district’s upstate areas, while Graham performed strongly in coastal regions near Columbia. Trump’s presence in South Carolina likely bolstered her support in Horry County, as evidenced by her overwhelming defeat of Norman in the area during the runoff.