South Carolina: Darline Graham wins Republican primary for U.S. Senate seat

Darline Graham has secured the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina, setting up a contest against Democrat Annie Andrews in the November elections. Graham, who has minimal prior political experience, emerged victorious in the primary, overcoming Representative Ralph Norman.

Her campaign gained considerable momentum with strong backing from former President Donald Trump. Trump personally endorsed Graham, urging her to run for a full term and campaigning for her in South Carolina. His endorsement and support are seen as a key factor in her primary win, testing his influence on Republican voters.

Graham's victory is particularly significant given South Carolina's traditional Republican leanings, making her the likely successor to her late brother, Lindsey Graham. She was initially appointed to the Senate seat temporarily after her brother's death. Her campaign focused on domestic policy issues, including support for Trump's immigration policies and opposition to abortion.

The primary race also served as a gauge of Trump's sway over the electorate ahead of the midterm elections, as he seeks to maintain Republican control of Congress. Graham's campaign received substantial financial backing from MAGA Inc., a Super PAC supporting Trump and allied Republicans, which funded voter outreach efforts.