Rep. Ralph Norman has secured a spot in the Republican Senate primary runoff in South Carolina, according to NBC News projections. Norman will compete against appointed Sen. Darline Graham, sister to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, on August 25.
Appointed Sen. Darline Graham, meanwhile, has also advanced in South Carolina’s GOP Senate primary runoff. With challenges from multiple GOP candidates, Graham, who was initially appointed by Governor Henry McMaster, seeks a full term. Despite backing from former President Trump, Graham faces competition from Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, among others. With approximately a quarter of votes counted, Graham led with 31%, with Fry and Norman trailing at around 23% each.
In the Democratic primary for governor of Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont has defeated state Rep. Josh Elliott, per NBC News projections.
Elections today have also taken place in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont, and Connecticut, highlighting ideological divides within the Democratic Party and further testing Trump’s influence among Republicans. The Wisconsin governor’s race features a notable contest with the Democratic socialist Francesca Hong.
Polling sites closed in South Carolina, Vermont, Alabama, and Connecticut between 7 and 8 p.m. ET today, with the DOJ tasked with overseeing sites in Minnesota to maintain election integrity.
Sen. Darline Graham is also attempting to secure a voter base ahead of the runoff. She acknowledged that Lindsey Graham’s weak performance in South Carolina’s Upstate region in primaries might impact her. Graham emphasizes her efforts in the Senate and her vision focused on affordability.
On another front, Sen. Bill Cassidy criticized Trump’s executive order altering vaccine guidance and urged reconsideration of new vaccine protocols, citing potential risks and impacts.
Meanwhile, Trump administration decisions include ending Medicaid funds for minors’ gender-affirming care and suspending flight from Turkey amid tensions with Iran.
The political landscape remains dynamic as voters express varied concerns, with some South Carolinians skeptical of Darline Graham’s experience and questioning Trump’s endorsement’s effectiveness in the Senate race.