South Carolina Republicans advanced Sen. Darline Graham to a runoff for the party’s Senate nomination, setting up a pivotal contest to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with Trump’s endorsement and a crowded field of rivals.
Senate. Graham, the sister of the late senator and a political newcomer, secured enough votes to force a special primary runoff on August 25, according to projections from NBC News and Decision Desk HQ. She faces challenges from sitting House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, former Governor Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch, all vying to succeed her brother on the November ballot.
Graham’s Path to the Runoff
Graham, appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster in July to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term, emerged as the top vote-getter in the special primary, securing about 31% of the vote, according to NBC News. Her opponents—Fry and Norman—each trailed with 23%, while Lynch and Sanford also competed. The runoff will determine the GOP nominee to face Democrat Annie Andrews, a Charleston pediatrician who won her party’s primary in June. Graham, who has never held elected office, is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate, though her lack of political experience drew scrutiny from some voters.
I understand that she’s lost a brother and lost someone very special to her, and I sympathize with that, but at the same time, I don’t think that it’s necessary just to give it to her,
said Republican voter Bob Howell, who criticized the influence of former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Graham. Trump had encouraged her to run and backed her in a special primary that featured 10 GOP candidates.
The Broader Implications of the Race
The contest underscores the political dynamics of South Carolina, where Trump’s endorsement carries significant weight but is not a guarantee of victory. Graham’s path to the runoff highlights the challenges of political succession, particularly in a state where the late Lindsey Graham was a dominant figure. His death in July from an aortic tear left a void that has drawn multiple candidates, reflecting both the party’s internal competition and the broader stakes of the Senate race. The outcome could influence the balance of power in the Senate, which remains a key battleground for both parties.
The special primary also revealed regional voting patterns, with Greenville County—South Carolina’s most populous—showing a mix of independent leanings. While Lynch had performed well in June’s primary, his influence waned in the special election. Norman, who sought the governor’s nomination and placed third in the June runoff, also faced challenges in the Senate race.
The August 25 runoff will determine the GOP nominee, who will then face Andrews in November. Graham’s ability to consolidate support amid skepticism about her experience will be critical. Meanwhile, the race has drawn attention for its potential to test the durability of Trump’s influence within the party, as well as the viability of political newcomers in high-stakes races. With the general election approaching, the outcome could shape the broader political landscape in South Carolina and beyond.
The race also highlights the role of appointed officials in shaping electoral outcomes. Graham’s appointment by McMaster to fill her brother’s term set the stage for her candidacy, but her ability to win over voters remains uncertain. As the runoff approaches, the focus will shift to campaign strategies, voter outreach, and the broader implications for the 2026 elections.
The race has also sparked broader discussions about the political legacy of Lindsey Graham. His sister’s candidacy raises questions about how his influence will be felt in the state’s political future, even as she seeks to carve out her own path.
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