Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced to a GOP special primary runoff for a U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina.
The contest determines who will represent the state in the Senate following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham in July 2026 [3]. The vacancy has sparked a high-stakes battle for the Republican nomination, with the winner likely to secure the seat in the general election.
The special primary took place on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2026 [2]. Neither candidate secured a majority of the vote, necessitating a second round of voting to decide the nominee. The runoff election is now scheduled for Aug. 25, 2026 [1].
Sen. Graham, who was appointed to the seat after the death of her brother, enters the runoff with the endorsement of Donald Trump. Her candidacy focuses on continuing the legacy of the late senator, a move supported by the former president's backing.
Rep. Norman remains a prominent challenger in the race. The runoff will pit his legislative experience against the appointment and political momentum behind Graham.
Both candidates are now campaigning for the remaining undecided voters in South Carolina. The outcome will decide whether the seat remains with the appointed successor or shifts to a long-serving member of the House.
“Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced to a GOP special primary runoff”
This runoff serves as a test of Donald Trump's current influence over the South Carolina GOP. While Sen. Graham holds the advantage of incumbency through appointment and a high-profile endorsement, the necessity of a runoff suggests a divided primary base. The result will determine if the party prefers a continuity candidate linked to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham or a different conservative alternative in Rep. Norman.
