Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

South Carolina GOP Senate Primary August 11, Trump backs Graham

8/4/2026

50 12 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

South Carolina will hold a Republican primary on August 11 for the Senate seat after Gov. Henry McMaster named Sen. Darline Graham interim senator.
A July 30 poll showed Rep. Ralph Norman leading at 22% and Darline Graham at 19%.
Five candidates qualified for a televised debate after President Donald Trump endorsed Graham.
If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff is set for August 25, with nominee facing Democrat Annie Andrews on November 3.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 Senator Strom Thurmond won South Carolina’s Republican primary with 71% of the vote, avoiding a runoff despite five challengers, and he repeated a majority victory in the 1996 primary against two opponents, illustrating the state’s runoff rule. The August 11, 2024 Senate race, featuring multiple GOP hopefuls and a Donald Trump endorsement, will trigger the same runoff if no candidate reaches a majority.

1 of 2

Story summary

South Carolina will hold a Republican primary on August 11 for the Senate seat after Gov. Henry McMaster named Sen. Darline Graham interim senator.
A July 30 poll showed Rep. Ralph Norman leading at 22% and Darline Graham at 19%.
Five candidates qualified for a televised debate after President Donald Trump endorsed Graham.
If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff is set for August 25, with nominee facing Democrat Annie Andrews on November 3.

1 / 2