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South Carolina GOP Holds Special Primary to Replace Lindsey Graham

A likely Aug. 25 runoff will test President Trump's influence by determining the Republican nominee who is favored to keep the seat in November.

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Duke Buckner's 226 US Senate campaign photo. (DUKE BUCKNER)
Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., left, sits with his son James at a candidate event for hopefuls vying in a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on November ballots, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Florence, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
Rep. Ralph Norman R-S.C., speaks at a candidate event for hopefuls vying in a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on November ballots, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Florence, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

Overview

  • Republican voters cast ballots on Tuesday, Aug. 11, in a fast‑moving special primary that saw heavy early turnout and wide expectation that no candidate will win a majority.
  • Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to finish her brother's term and President Trump endorsed her, boosting her visibility as critics and some rivals labeled the bid a coronation.
  • The crowded field includes Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Ralph Norman and former Gov. Mark Sanford, with polls showing Graham, Fry and Norman near the top of the race.
  • Outside groups and super PACs have poured roughly $4 million into paid media so far, with pro‑Graham forces responsible for about $1.8 million of that spending.
  • State law forced a compressed filing and campaign window that favored name recognition and outside funding, and the outcome will signal how much Trump and national donors shape the GOP in South Carolina.