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2h ago

South Carolina Republicans Vote in Special Primary to Replace Sen. Lindsey Graham

President Trump's endorsement of interim Sen. Darline Graham has drawn national money and attention that could determine whether she reaches a runoff for the GOP nomination.

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)
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., leans over to hear a reporter's question following at a candidate event for hopefuls vying in a special Republican primary to replace her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on November ballots, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Florence, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
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Overview

  • Republicans are casting ballots in a compressed special primary to name their Senate nominee after Lindsey Graham's death and the governor's interim appointment of his sister.
  • Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to serve the remainder of Graham's term and she was sworn in before launching a bid to keep the seat.
  • President Trump has publicly backed the interim senator, and the NRSC plus a super PAC that once supported Lindsey Graham have deployed advertising and at least $900,000 in outside spending to support her.
  • The GOP field is crowded with two U.S. House members, Rep. Ralph Norman and Rep. Russell Fry, former Gov. Mark Sanford and other familiar state figures, making a runoff between the top two finishers widely expected.
  • Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews is the party's nominee, the eventual GOP nominee is heavily favored in November, and a House member winning the Senate seat would trigger a separate special election for that House seat.