Darline Graham advances to runoff in South Carolina special primary for Senate seat held by brother Lindsey Graham

Darline Graham, appointed to complete the Senate term of her late brother Lindsey Graham, has advanced to a runoff election for the Republican nomination in South Carolina. The special primary held Tuesday saw Graham holding a narrow lead, with the contest for second place proving close among Congressman Russell Fry, Congressman Ralph Norman, and former governor Mark Sanford.

Graham has actively promoted her endorsement from former President Donald Trump. She also benefits from the support of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The outcome of the runoff, scheduled for August 25, remains uncertain, as does her opponent.

The abbreviated special primary was closely watched, with recent polling from the Trafalgar Group showing Fry, Norman, and Sanford within a single percentage point of each other. This close race for the second runoff spot highlights the competitive nature of the nomination contest.