Darline Graham has won the Republican Senate runoff in South Carolina, securing the party's nomination to replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. Her victory was significantly bolstered by an endorsement and substantial financial backing from former President Donald Trump.
Trump's intervention came late in the race, following a moment during a debate where Graham admitted limited knowledge on national security issues, specifically concerning Taiwan. The former president's campaign organization, MAGA Inc., reportedly infused over $800,000 into a phone campaign supporting Graham in the final days before the vote. Trump himself had previously urged Graham to run, citing her long-standing connections and respect within the community.
Graham, who had been appointed to serve out the remainder of her brother's term, positioned herself as a candidate aligned with the Trump agenda. She drew a contrast with her opponent, Representative Ralph Norman, by highlighting his occasional disagreements with House Republican leadership and Trump. Graham also emphasized her legislative achievements during her brief tenure, including the passage of the Russia and Iran Sanctions Act and her role in confirming Todd Blanche as Attorney General.
"Simply put, I've done more in 20 days than Ralph Norman has done in 20 years," Graham stated during her campaign, according to reports. She aimed to present herself as a more domestically focused politician compared to her brother.
Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican senator, passed away in July at the age of 71. His sister's successful runoff bid allows the familiar Graham name to remain on the ballot for the general election, with the backing of a key figure in the Republican party.