Graham and Norman mobilize supporters as runoff enters final stretch
Endorsements and debate performance are reshaping the Graham-Norman runoff.
Event / Politics
South Carolina Senate Special Election
Darline Graham, appointed to fill Lindsey Graham's seat, advanced to a runoff in South Carolina's Republican Senate primary after winning 33% in the August 11 special election. She faces Representative Ralph Norman in an August 25 runoff, with the winner to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.
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2026-08-21 to 2026-11-09 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Aug, 17:21 UTC
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What happened
Lindsey Graham dies of cardiovascular disease
Senator Lindsey Graham died on July 11 of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He had previously won the Republican nomination in the June primary for his seat.
Russell Fry finishes third in Senate primary and endorses Darline Graham
Representative Russell Fry, whose district includes Myrtle Beach, finished third in the August 11 Republican primary with 20% of the vote. He subsequently endorsed Darline Graham for the runoff election.
Darline Graham advances to Senate runoff with 33% in primary
In the August 11 Republican primary special election for South Carolina's Senate seat, Darline Graham finished first with 33% of the vote. Representative Ralph Norman finished second with 25%, and Representative Russell Fry finished third with 20%. Because Graham did not achieve a majority, a runoff was triggered for August 25.
Nikki Haley supports Ralph Norman in Senate runoff
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley endorsed Ralph Norman in the Senate runoff, criticizing Darline Graham's lack of national security expertise and noting that such knowledge is not inherited.
Trump holds Myrtle Beach rally for Darline Graham before Senate runoff
President Donald Trump visited Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Friday to hold an evening rally supporting Darline Graham ahead of the Republican primary runoff election on Tuesday, August 25. Trump gave his endorsement to Graham, who is running for the Senate seat previously held by her brother Lindsey Graham.
Darline Graham struggles with national security policy knowledge in debate
During an August 18 Republican primary debate, Darline Graham acknowledged limited knowledge of national security issues when asked about Taiwan and the South China Sea. She stated 'national security is not my thing' and 'I'm not that informed on national security,' while asserting she supports the military. She also said she is 'not a polished politician.'
Ralph Norman faces Darline Graham in Senate runoff
Representative Ralph Norman, a hardline conservative and House Freedom Caucus member who backs Trump, finished second in the August 11 primary with 25% of the vote and advanced to the August 25 runoff against Darline Graham. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a physician, in the November general election.
Governor McMaster appoints Darline Graham as interim senator
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to fill the remainder of her brother Lindsey Graham's Senate term following his death on July 11. McMaster made the appointment in the days after Lindsey Graham's death.
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2 alternative perspectives
Graham's Interim Successor Advances to Senate Runoff
Graham's interim appointee advances to Senate runoff with 33% primary support.