Darline Graham, Ralph Norman Advance to SC Senate GOP Runoff

Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman will advance to a runoff later this month in South Carolina's special Republican primary for Senate, CBS News projects, as the two candidates vie to replace Graham's late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the November ballot.

Under South Carolina rules, if no candidate clears 50% of the vote, the top two finishers in the primary advance to a runoff, scheduled for August 25. Ten candidates competed in Tuesday's special primary for the chance to face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

The race followed the four-term senator's death last month. Gov. Henry McMaster quickly appointed Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham, to serve out the remainder of his term. But because the late senator had already secured the Republican nomination in June for a full term, the party needed a new candidate on the ballot.

Darline Graham, 62, has spent her career in disability services and most recently served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Days after being sworn in, she announced she would seek to represent the state for a full term, following an endorsement from President Trump. That endorsement did not stop other Republicans from entering the race, including Rep. Russell Fry, who has served in the House since 2023; Norman, who has served since 2017; former Gov. Mark Sanford; and businessman Mark Lynch, who lost the June primary to the late senator.

Candidates had only weeks to campaign after Lindsey Graham's death on July 11, with a filing period running from July 21 to 28 just before Tuesday's vote. Lindsey Graham never married and had a close relationship with his sister; after their parents died in close succession, he adopted his then-13-year-old sister when he was 22.

Opponents have voiced respect for Darline Graham while questioning her lack of experience in elected office and her ability to serve a full six-year term. She has championed some of her brother's priorities but has also signaled she would focus more on domestic issues than her famously hawkish sibling.

The runoff winner is expected to be heavily favored in November. Lindsey Graham won his last reelection bid in 2020 with 54% of the vote, and Trump carried the state with 58% in 2024.