Darline Graham defeated Rep. Ralph Norman in South Carolina's Republican Senate primary runoff election Tuesday, positioning herself to potentially succeed her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, in the U.S. Senate. Graham secured 53% of the vote compared to Norman's 47%, with more than three-fourths of ballots counted.
Graham, who was appointed to fill her brother's term following his death on July 11, had previously won the initial August 11 special GOP Senate primary against Norman and other contenders, including former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and Rep. Russell Fry. Fry, who finished third in the initial primary, has since endorsed Graham.
Key endorsements for Graham included Senator Tim Scott, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and significant financial backing from the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. President Trump publicly supported Graham, calling her a "spectacular person" and a "true American Patriot" in a social media post, and urged voters to support her.
During her campaign, Graham emphasized domestic policy issues such as affordability, immigration, gun rights, and election integrity, while also expressing opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. She stated a tougher stance on illegal immigration than her brother, asserting, "If you are here illegally, you got to go."
As a political newcomer, Graham had not previously held elected office. She embraced an outsider image on the campaign trail, drawing parallels to President Trump's own path to office. However, during a debate with Norman, Graham acknowledged a lack of expertise on national security issues, specifically regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea, stating, "National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military." Trump downplayed this statement, characterizing it as honesty and noting her focus on domestic economic concerns.
In contrast, Norman, a five-term congressman, highlighted foreign policy and national security as primary concerns, alongside fiscal conservatism. Notable endorsements for Norman included former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and outgoing Rep. Nancy Mace.
Graham will face pediatrician Annie Andrews, the Democratic candidate, in the general election. Given South Carolina's political leanings, Graham is considered the likely favorite in the race.