Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., has won the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in a runoff election. Her victory was significantly aided by an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and a substantial financial infusion from MAGA Inc.
Trump campaigned for Graham in Myrtle Beach on August 21, 2026, praising her focus on affordability and military support. He stated he had personally asked Graham to run, citing her widespread respect. "So I've known her through Lindsey — I've known her for so long," Trump said. "I think Lindsey respected Darline more than any other person he knows, including me."
MAGA Inc., a political action committee associated with Trump, contributed over $800,000 to a phone campaign supporting Graham in the final days before the runoff. This financial boost followed a moment in the final debate where Graham acknowledged having limited knowledge of the strategic importance of Taiwan, an issue that had been a focus for her opponent.
Graham, who was appointed to fill the remainder of her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham's term following his death in July, has positioned herself as a candidate distinct from her brother, emphasizing domestic issues over foreign policy. Despite her relatively short tenure in the Senate, she highlighted legislative achievements, including the passage of a bipartisan Russia sanctions package initially championed by her brother and casting the deciding vote to confirm Attorney General Todd Blanche. She contrasted her recent accomplishments with Norman's record, stating, "I've done more in 20 days than Ralph Norman has done in 20 years."
Graham also targeted Norman for his past opposition to House Republican leadership and, at times, to Trump, framing herself as a unifying Republican figure. "We already have enough problem Democrats, we don’t need a problem Republican," she remarked.
Her appointment to the Senate was initially seen as temporary, but Trump encouraged her to seek the full term. The race ultimately saw her face Norman, a congressman who had represented South Carolina's 5th congressional district since 2017. The runoff determined who would officially secure the Republican nomination to represent South Carolina in the Senate for the upcoming term.