Darline Graham Wins Republican Runoff to Replace Lindsey Graham

<p>Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), endorsed by former President Donald Trump, won the Republican runoff on Tuesday and will advance to the November general election. She secured approximately 53.3% of the vote against Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), with Decision Desk HQ calling the race at 8:38 PM EDT.</p><p>Graham's victory marks a significant rise for a candidate who was appointed to the Senate last month and had not previously held elected office. The race also tested Trump's influence over Republican voters in South Carolina.</p><p>Trump campaigned for Graham in Myrtle Beach, urging voters to support her. He stated, "They say Trump does great when he’s on the ballot. But when he’s not on the ballot, his people don’t come, and they don’t vote for senators, congressmen, and other Republicans. What I want you to do is pretend – please – like I’m on the ballot. Just come and vote. It’s so important."</p><p>Norman's performance indicated some hesitation among Republican voters regarding Graham's experience. During a debate, she acknowledged, "I’m just going to be honest here, I’m not that informed on national security," when asked about U.S. national security issues.</p><p>Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley criticized Graham's comment, stating, "Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States’ national security. Graham admits she’s not. This is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate."</p><p>Graham has expressed her intention to focus on issues important to average citizens, differentiating her stance from her brother's foreign policy views.</p><p>Norman, who has a history in South Carolina politics, endorsed Haley in the 2024 presidential primary. He received endorsements from conservative Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) as well as several local sheriffs. Graham emphasized her conservative credentials and sought support from Trump's base.</p><p>In a campaign ad, Graham highlighted her pro-life stance and advocated for a ban on biological men competing in women's sports, stating, "Lindsey taught me public service isn’t about titles; it’s about helping people. President Trump asked me to run for the Senate to work with him on the issues we care about. While I never wanted to be in this position. I’m ready to serve the people of South Carolina."</p><p>Voter turnout in the runoff was notably low, attributed to voter fatigue. If elected in November, Graham would become the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from South Carolina.</p><p>Graham entered the Senate race on July 20 after Trump's endorsement, following the unexpected death of her brother, Lindsey Graham, last month due to an aortic dissection. He had won his Republican primary in June before his death altered the race.</p><p>Graham will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election, in a seat rated as Solid Republican by The Cook Political Report.</p>