Two Republicans are headed to a runoff for the party’s nomination for Lindsey Graham’s old Senate seat, after none of the 10 people running received a majority in Tuesday’s primary.
Sen. Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister, and Rep. Ralph Norman advanced to the Republican runoff on Aug. 25.
Graham was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term last month. Most expected her to fill the role on an interim basis, but she expressed interest in running for the full term just a week into her tenure. President Donald Trump, who was personally close to the late senator, endorsed her for the full term.
Little is known about Graham’s political views, even by her Republican colleagues, as she has spent the majority of her life outside the public eye. She has avoided questions in the Capitol and has had limited interaction with local reporters in South Carolina.
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Norman, a House member who previously ran unsuccessfully for governor, is known for being a thorn in the side of both House Republican leadership and Trump. He endorsed former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in the 2024 presidential election and routinely votes against the party’s agenda in Congress.
Despite this, Norman is viewed as a staunch conservative among voters and is a longtime member of the House Freedom Caucus. He is sure to face staunch opposition from Trump’s political orbit in his bid for the Senate seat.
The remaining days will be an all-out sprint for the two candidates as they try to tie themselves as closely to Trump as possible and secure the nomination.
The winner will take on Democratic nominee Annie Andrews.
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