Darline Graham Leads South Carolina Senate Primary, Heads to Runoff

Interim Senator Darline Graham advanced to a runoff election on August 25 after leading a 10-candidate special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Graham secured 32.6% of the vote on August 11, failing to reach the 50% majority required to win the nomination outright.

Appointed to the seat by Governor Henry McMaster, Graham campaigned as a political newcomer and former state agency commissioner. She received the "complete and total endorsement" of President Donald Trump, who appeared with her at a statewide tele-rally to emphasize conservative priorities such as border security and the economy. Graham focused her platform on cost-of-living and family budget concerns, while her opponents emphasized their experience as elected officials.

Other prominent contenders included U.S. Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, and former Governor Mark Sanford. While Fry campaigned on bringing "fresh energy" to the Senate and Sanford focused on the national debt, early results indicate Sanford is on track to finish fourth. Fry and Norman are currently competing for the second spot in the runoff.

The special election process faced logistical challenges in Lexington and Charleston counties, where polling locations were moved from schools to churches and libraries due to the start of the school year. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in the general election on November 3.