In an intense South Carolina GOP Senate primary showdown, Sen. Darline Graham emerged victorious over Rep. Ralph Norman on Tuesday. This crucial win propels her closer to securing a full term in the seat once held by her brother.
Backed by President Trump, who personally motivated her to vie for the seat vacated by the untimely passing of Sen. Lindsay Graham, Darline Graham edged out Norman with a 53% to 47% margin. This result came after more than 75% of ballots were tallied in the primary runoff.
Graham’s journey to this point saw her defeating not just Norman, but also overcoming a strong field that included names like former Governor Mark Sanford and Rep. Russell Fry, among others, in the August 11 initial special GOP Senate primary.
Russell Fry, after capturing around 20% of the vote and finishing third, promptly threw his support behind Graham, marking a significant endorsement post-defeat.
With substantial backing, including support from Sen. Tim Scott and Governor Henry McMaster, Graham also benefitted from the financial muscle of over $800,000 from the pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc., all strengthening her campaign efforts in securing the critical Senate seat.
“We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot,” Trump said of Graham in a Truth Social post on the eve of the runoff.
“Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina,” the president continued, adding that “there is nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother.”
Trump urged South Carolinians to get out and vote for Graham last week, telling his supporters at a packed Myrtle Beach rally to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and warning that they’ll “lose everything” if she doesn’t win her Senate race.
During the primary race, Graham differentiated herself from her brother by highlighting her interest on domestic issues, including affordability, immigration, gun rights, election integrity and opposition to DEI.
“I loved my brother Lindsey, and I miss him so much every day. But on illegal immigration, I’m tougher than he was,” she said at the Myrtle Beach rally. “It’s simple. If you are here illegally, you got to go.”
Graham, a political newcomer, had never held elected public office prior to being tapped to step in for her late brother, who died from an aortic dissection on July 11.
On the campaign trail, she embraced being a Washington outsider.
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“Now the critics say I shouldn’t run for the Senate. They say I’m not a politician. You know what I say? Guilty as charged,” Graham said at the rally with Trump.
“And by the way, President Trump had never served in an elected office before, and I think he’s done a damn good job,” she added.
Graham’s inexperience showed during a debate against Norman earlier this month, when she stumbled over a question about the relevance of Taiwan and the South China Sea to US national security.
“I’m not that informed on national security — so,” she replied. “National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military.”
While Norman’s supporters seized on the apparent gaffe, Trump downplayed the effect the moment would have on the race.
“All she was is being honest. She’s very smart, and she was being honest,” Trump told reporters last week.
“I mean, she’s into the price of groceries, the price of food, the price of beef, and it’s not — it hasn’t been her thing, but she’s surrounded by very good people, and she said that she’s totally for the military,” the president added.
In contrast, Norman, a five-term congressman, declared foreign policy and national security to be one of his “top concerns,” along with reining in federal spending.
“I’m going to be a CHAMPION for fiscal conservatism in the Senate,” he wrote on X Tuesday. “Why? You can’t have military superiority WHEN YOU’RE BROKE!
“My opponent doesn’t get that, but I do!”
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and outgoing Rep. Nancy Mace were among the notable pols that backed Norman’s campaign.
Graham will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November general election.
South Carolina is a solidly red state and Graham will likely be heavily favored against the Democrat.