Senator Darline Graham triumphed over Representative Ralph Norman in the Republican primary runoff in South Carolina, according to NBC News projections. This marks a significant win for President Donald Trump, who endorsed and campaigned actively for Graham following the passing of her brother, Lindsey Graham, just six weeks prior.
With nearly all votes counted, Graham led with approximately 52% compared to Norman’s 48%. Trump strongly backed Graham for her decision to seek a full six-year Senate term after her appointment by Governor Henry McMaster. He rallied in Myrtle Beach on her behalf and hosted a telephone rally. Additionally, his super PAC contributed $830,000 for her campaign effort. During the rally, Trump expressed his support, stating that Graham would make her constituents proud.
Graham, aged 62, now prepares to face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the upcoming November general election. She is a formidable contender in a state with a long Republican history, where her brother served over three decades in both the Senate and the House. To overcome Norman, who has been in Congress for nearly ten years, Graham needed to counter attacks on nepotism and inexperience. While she had no prior electoral experience, she managed a state agency with a focus on assisting the blind.
In an earlier primary, Graham received 33% of the vote, necessitating this runoff as it fell short of the required 50%. Her campaign faced challenges, including a debate gaffe over national security knowledge, which stood out due to her brother’s notable military service.
Graham emphasized her focus on domestic policies such as affordability, contrasting her brother’s global concerns. Trump highlighted this focus, expressing a shared vision. In the latter part of her campaign, she underscored her alignment with Trump’s policies, citing her role in sponsoring a Russia sanctions bill renamed for her brother and confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general.
Lindsey Graham’s unexpected death on July 11 from aortic complications prompted Darline Graham’s swift appointment to complete his term. Despite Trump’s backing, the primary was crowded, featuring candidates such as Norman, Rep. Russell Fry, former Governor Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch.
Norman, often a critic of Trump, supported former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley over Trump in the 2024 presidential race and had previously opposed Trump’s tax-and-spending cuts. Eventually, he joined the effort after negotiating changes in Medicaid requirements.
The runoff divided conservative support. While Graham secured endorsements from Trump, McMaster, and Senator Tim Scott, Norman had backing from figures like former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and former Governor Mark Sanford. Norman did well in upstate areas, while Graham won in more populous regions along the coast, boosted by Trump’s and Fry’s campaign activities in key areas like Horry County.
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