Senator Darline Graham and Representative Ralph Norman are heading to a runoff in the South Carolina Republican Senate primary. The two advanced as no candidate secured more than 50% of the primary vote, according to the Associated Press.
The special election follows the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham at age 71. Graham’s sister, Darline, received the appointment from Governor Henry McMaster to complete the current Senate term, which ends this year.
President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham, showcasing his influence in the Republican primaries. Despite Trump’s backing, the primary exhibited mixed results for his favored candidates in the state.
Ralph Norman, who previously bid for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, joins Graham in the runoff. Norman and Congressman Russell Fry, who did not advance, have been vocal supporters of Trump. Fry, a two-term representative, campaigned alongside Graham, emphasizing consistent support for the former president.
Former Governor and Congressman Mark Sanford, noted for his fiscal conservatism, participated but did not succeed in the primary. Sanford’s campaign highlighted national debt concerns.
Sanford made an earlier White House bid against Trump in the 2020 primaries, which was short-lived and unsuccessful.
The field also included businessman Mark Lynch, who previously lost to Lindsey Graham by nearly 30 points in a Republican Senate primary in June.
In related races, Trump-endorsed candidates faced challenges. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, backed by Trump, led in votes for the gubernatorial primary but lost in a runoff landslide to Attorney General Alan Wilson. Trump’s additional endorsement of Wilson came just days before their runoff.
The Senate runoff winner will likely have a strong advantage in the upcoming midterms against Democratic candidate Annie Andrews, a pediatrician vying for the seat.
Paul Steinhauser provides coverage of national campaigns for Fox News.
Leave a Reply