Story perspectives

Trump-Endorsed Candidates Vie for Graham Senate Seat

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Voters will choose a nominee for the Senate seat on Tuesday after Sen. Lindsey Graham died on July 11.
Candidates are Darline Graham, Rep. Ralph Norman and Rep. Russell Fry, runoff set for Aug. 25.
Darline Graham said will focus on groceries, gas, health care and insurance, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Ralph Norman said he spoke with President Donald Trump before campaign.
Russell Fry claimed a House partnership and mimicked President Donald Trump’s voice.

History

Historical Context

Senator Ted Kennedy’s death on August 25 2009 opened Massachusetts’s Class I Senate seat, prompting a December 8 primary and a January 19, 2010 special election. Republican State Senator Scott Brown defeated Democrat Attorney General Martha Coakley with 51.8% of the vote, becoming the first GOP winner for the seat since 1946 and ending the Democrats’ 60-seat filibuster-proof majority.

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Story summary

Voters will choose a nominee for the Senate seat on Tuesday after Sen. Lindsey Graham died on July 11.
Candidates are Darline Graham, Rep. Ralph Norman and Rep. Russell Fry, runoff set for Aug. 25.
Darline Graham said will focus on groceries, gas, health care and insurance, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Ralph Norman said he spoke with President Donald Trump before campaign.
Russell Fry claimed a House partnership and mimicked President Donald Trump’s voice.

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