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Sen. Darline Graham projected to win runoff in South Carolina GOP Senate primary

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Darline Graham has been projected to win the Republican Senate runoff in South Carolina, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman.
  • She will replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the ballot for the November election after he died unexpectedly last month.
  • Graham, who lacked prior elected experience, emphasized her problem-solving skills and dedication to South Carolina, while Norman criticized her as an "unknown candidate."

Senator Darline Graham is projected to win the Republican Senate runoff in South Carolina, securing the nomination to replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, on the ballot for the November election. Graham defeated Representative Ralph Norman in the special primary held Tuesday.

Lindsey Graham, a four-term senator, died suddenly last month, creating a vacancy and prompting a swift process to find a replacement. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster had appointed Darline Graham to serve out the remainder of her brother's term, which concludes early next year. However, the crucial task of selecting the nominee for a full six-year term, following Lindsey Graham's win of the GOP nomination in June, fell to the voters.

a problem solver, a critical thinker, and a leader

— Darline GrahamGraham's self-description to voters during the primary campaign.

President Trump had encouraged Darline Graham to seek the full term, but his endorsement did not deter other Republicans, including Norman, from entering the race. In the initial special primary election on August 11, Darline Graham and Norman emerged as the top two vote-getters. Darline Graham secured nearly 33% of the vote, while Norman garnered almost 25%. As neither candidate reached the 50% threshold, the contest proceeded to a runoff.

Leading up to the runoff, Darline Graham, 62, presented herself as a "problem solver, a critical thinker, and a leader," despite her lack of experience in elected office. She highlighted her decades of service to South Carolina, most recently as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. She drew parallels to her brother's work ethic, attributing it to their parents who owned a bar and liquor store. While vowing to continue her brother's legacy, she also stressed her intention to bring her own approach to the Senate. Norman, a 73-year-old real estate developer and House representative since 2017, positioned himself as a conservative legislator and characterized Graham as an "unknown candidate."

unknown candidate

— Ralph NormanNorman's description of Darline Graham during the runoff campaign.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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