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2h ago

Tight GOP Primary Tests Trump-Backed Interim Senator in South Carolina

An Aug. 11 primary that likely leads to an Aug. 25 runoff could decide whether South Carolina’s next senator backs President Trump's push to change filibuster rules.

Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., from left, seated alongside daughter Nicole Nordone and husband Larry Nordone, looks on as a South Carolina Republican Senate candidate stump event gets underway ahead of the special GOP primary to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., speaks with voters following a Senate candidate stump event ahead of a special GOP primary to select a replacement for her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., leaves the stage after speaking at a South Carolina Republican Senate candidate stump event ahead of the special GOP primary to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
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Overview

  • The expedited Republican special primary is set for Aug. 11 with a runoff scheduled for Aug. 25 if no candidate wins a majority.
  • Interim appointee Darline Graham Nordone is running with President Donald Trump's endorsement after being named to fill her brother Lindsey Graham’s seat.
  • Late‑July polls diverge with some surveys showing Nordone ahead while others put Rep. Ralph Norman or a split field in the lead, leaving the race unsettled.
  • Republican contenders Rep. Ralph Norman, Rep. Russell Fry, former Gov. Mark Sanford and Nordone are the only consistent double‑digit candidates, raising the odds of vote‑splitting.
  • The primary outcome carries national consequence because a Trump‑aligned winner who supports abolishing the filibuster could change Senate procedure and affect GOP legislative strategy.