South Carolina Senator Darline Graham won the primary election on August 26, 2026, for a full term, following an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Graham secured a narrow victory after a special election, expressing gratitude towards Trump at her victory party in Columbia. She is now focused on the general election against Democrat Annie Andrews, during which she criticized Andrews' views on gender identity.
Graham, who was appointed to the Senate to replace her brother Lindsey, received support from most of the state's GOP leadership. Her campaign was backed by MAGA Inc., Trump's super PAC, which helped her outspend her primary opponent, Representative Ralph Norman. Norman reported that $8 million was spent against him and questioned Trump's endorsement of Graham.
Graham gained significant support in the 7th Congressional District around Myrtle Beach, aided by an endorsement from Representative Russell Fry after his own Senate bid. Norman performed well in his district and the upstate region, where the Graham family has roots. In other parts of the state, including Charleston, Graham also emerged victorious, linking herself closely to Trump by promising to eliminate the filibuster to pass his voter ID law and opposing amnesty for undocumented immigrants.
In related news, Trump also endorsed former state Senator Mike Mazzei, who won the GOP nomination for governor in Oklahoma, defeating Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Drummond had previously criticized Trump's policies, including his approach to beef imports related to tariffs.
Despite some concerns about her performance in debates, Graham's campaign was viewed positively by Republicans, and her victory adds to Trump's list of endorsements that have succeeded in recent elections.