Darline Graham, the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, faces significant challenges in Tuesday's special election runoff for a South Carolina U.S. Senate seat, according to Republican strategists and early voting data.
Graham is competing against U.S. Representative Ralph Norman in the race to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who was her brother. Graham was appointed to fill his seat on a temporary basis but has since sought a full term. Her campaign has been marked by a lack of experience in elected office and notable missteps.
During a recent debate, Graham admitted she was "not that informed" on national security, a subject considered paramount for a senator and one her late brother frequently addressed. This admission has provided Norman with a key attack line, as he has emphasized the need for an experienced senator with a strong understanding of foreign policy. Norman has also received backing from former Trump administration official Nikki Haley.
Early voting returns indicate that turnout favored Norman, according to former South Carolina state representative Adam Morgan. Morgan also noted that straw polls across the state have shown Norman leading by a significant margin. Polling data released late Monday by the Trafalgar Group showed the candidates tied at 48 percent, with a 2.9 percent margin of error.
Despite these challenges, Graham has received strong support from former President Trump, who held both in-person and virtual rallies on her behalf in the final days of the campaign. Trump urged supporters to vote as if he were on the ballot, underscoring his influence on GOP voters. South Carolina's senior senator, Tim Scott, has also endorsed Graham, expressing confidence in her readiness for the Senate after a month-long evaluation.
Graham has positioned herself as a public servant, aligning with traditional Republican values and touting Trump's endorsement. Her policy contributions have been limited due to the unexpected circumstances of mourning her brother, governing, and running for his seat in a short timeframe. Before entering politics, Graham worked in disability services and workforce development, serving as a commissioner on the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Lindsey Graham adopted Darline when she was 13, following the death of their parents. She previously supported her brother's political career by attending campaign events and appearing in ads. Lindsey Graham won his 2020 reelection bid with 54 percent of the vote, while Trump secured 58 percent statewide in 2024. The Democratic primary for the South Carolina U.S. Senate seat was won by Annie Andrews.