Sen. Darline Graham triumphed over Rep. Ralph Norman in South Carolina’s Republican primary runoff, marking a success for President Donald Trump. Trump actively supported Graham, organizing rallies and endorsing her after her brother Lindsey Graham’s passing. Current vote counts show Graham leading Norman 52% to 48%, CNN projects.
President Trump’s involvement was pivotal in Graham’s campaign. He encouraged her to pursue a full six-year Senate term post-appointment by Gov. Henry McMaster. Trump’s efforts included an in-person rally in Myrtle Beach on Friday and a tele-rally on Monday. Additionally, a super PAC allied with Trump injected $830,000 into her campaign. Trump celebrated Graham’s appeal at the rally, emphasizing her prioritization of American interests and her capability to continue Lindsey Graham’s legacy.
Darline Graham, 62, faces Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the forthcoming November election. In South Carolina, a strongly Republican state where Lindsey Graham was a long-time representative, she stands as a probable favorite.
Despite accusations of nepotism and lack of experience, Graham secured a victory over Norman, a seasoned Congress member of nearly 10 years. Graham’s previous experience includes leading a 130-person state agency aiding visually impaired individuals. She initially secured 33% of votes in the primary, insufficient to bypass the runoff. Her brief campaign period included a debate misstep, where she confessed unfamiliarity with national security topics. Graham acknowledged her brother’s expertise in national security during his extensive Air Force tenure but stated her focus lies on domestic policies.
In her advertisements, Graham showcased her commitment to forging her brother’s legacy while remaining supportive of Trump. She took pride in sponsoring a strict Russian sanctions bill named after her late brother and voting in favor of Trump’s attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche.
The South Carolina Republican political scene was notably intense following Lindsey Graham’s sudden passing, attributed to an aortic tear. Graham stepped in shortly after and faced off against numerous contenders, including Norman and other prominent figures like Rep. Russell Fry and former Gov. Mark Sanford.
Norman previously challenged Trump by supporting Nikki Haley in the 2024 presidential race, differing overtly in political stances with Trump and Republican leaders. These differences included his refusal to back Trump’s significant tax-cut package until work requirements for Medicaid recipients and solar tax credits from the Biden era were addressed.
Darline Graham’s endorsements came from influential politicians like McMaster and Sen. Tim Scott. In contrast, Norman was aided by figures such as former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Sen. Jim DeMint.
The runoff revealed a divide among conservatives. Norman found substantial support in the upstate regions, aligning with his congressional district while Graham achieved victories in coastal and capital areas like Columbia. Trump’s rally in Myrtle Beach and Fry’s encouragement significantly boosted Graham’s standing in Horry County.