COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sen. Darline Graham has moved on to a Republican special primary runoff for the U.S. Senate after failing to win the nomination outright in Tuesday’s primary, The Associated Press reported. Graham, who was appointed last month by Gov. Henry McMaster to finish her late brother’s term, earned enough votes to place among the top two and will face a second-place finisher in the Aug. 25 runoff.
The crowded GOP field included several established South Carolina Republican figures. Among those closely trailing Graham on primary night were Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry; one of them will join Graham in the runoff. President Trump publicly backed Graham during the campaign and even headlined a tele‑rally in which he praised her as “tough and strong” and urged voters to support her as a continuation of Lindsey Graham’s legacy.
Since her appointment, Graham has been active in the Senate, taking part in major votes in Washington, including the confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche and passage of a sanctions bill aimed at buyers of Russian oil and gas that had been championed by her late brother. She acknowledged the relentless pace of the campaign, saying it had been “absolutely brutal,” but added, “I’m still standing, I’m still going and that shows you how strong I am.” Graham says her priorities will include cost‑of‑living issues, noting she understands “family struggles” from personal experience.
Ralph Norman has framed his campaign around fiscal conservatism and experience in the House, where he has served since 2017 and sits in the House Freedom Caucus. Norman, who has been endorsed by GOP Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott, warned of the Senate’s legislative inertia, saying, “The Senate is the body where good bills die,” and emphasized support for the president’s “America First” agenda.
Russell Fry, who defeated Tom Rice in a 2022 primary, has faced criticism from some corners for not being sufficiently aligned with the MAGA wing because he chose to run despite competing with the president’s preferred candidate. Fry pushed back on that criticism, calling it a distraction and arguing that having more choices helps the conservative movement thrive.
Former Gov. Mark Sanford also ran in the race, spotlighting his executive experience and long record of pushing fiscal restraint. Sanford, known for theatrical stunts, briefly recreated a past photo op in the Statehouse with two piglets he dubbed “Pork and Barrel” to underscore his message on government spending. On primary night he trailed the front‑runners.
Voters across the state voiced differing reasons for their choices. The South Carolina State Election Commission said about 61,000 Republicans voted early over three days the previous week. In Oconee County, where Lindsey Graham cast his last ballot, some longtime supporters were split. Robert Herron said he favored Sanford mainly for his stance on spending, while Frank Owens said he liked Graham’s debate performance and demeanor. Gigi Vray of Charleston said she backed Sanford to reflect what she sees as South Carolina’s distinct character, and Deborah Dowd in Rep. Fry’s district said she chose Graham after watching the debate.
The winner of the GOP runoff will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the general election. Given the state’s strong Republican lean, the victor of the Republican primary runoff is generally expected to be the favorite heading into November.