Darline Graham advances to runoff in South Carolina GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects

Senator Darline Graham is set to compete in a runoff election later this month for the Republican primary in South Carolina, as projected by CBS News. Graham is vying for a chance to replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, on the November ballot. The special election has drawn significant attention, particularly with Graham securing support from former President Donald Trump.

In South Carolina's electoral rules, if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the primary, the top two vote-getters proceed to a runoff. This mechanism ensures that the eventual nominee has demonstrated substantial support among the party's voters. The identity of Graham's opponent in the runoff is not yet clear, pending the finalization of vote counts.

The race is a special election, meaning it is being held outside the regular election cycle to fill a vacancy. The outcome will determine who represents the Republican party in the general election for the Senate seat. Graham's advancement to the runoff stage indicates a strong showing in the initial primary, positioning her as a key contender in the race.