South Carolina GOP Primary to Replace Sen. Lindsey Graham

Voters in South Carolina are selecting a Republican nominee to serve the remainder of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term and to run for the full six-year seat after his death from heart problems on July 11. The snap primary features three leading contenders: Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister who was appointed to finish his term; Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC); and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC). The primary is expected to produce a runoff between two of the three candidates.

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Lindsey Graham’s 24-year Senate career was marked by a strong focus on foreign-policy and military issues, earning him the reputation of a “war-loving” legislator. According to longtime staffer Kevin Bishop, Graham’s electoral appeal stemmed largely from delivering concrete benefits to South Carolina, such as funding for fire trucks, water and sewer projects, and especially the deepening of the Port of Charleston—a project that has become a major economic engine for the state.

Washington Examiner

South Carolina voters, however, appear less interested in continuing Graham’s international-policy emphasis. Analysts note that the three primary candidates have campaigned on domestic concerns—cost of living, immigration, and cultural issues—while signaling no intention to become “foreign-policy powerbrokers.”

Washington Examiner

• Darline Graham – Appointed to complete her brother’s term, she has emphasized a shift away from constant national-security talk toward everyday issues like grocery prices, gas, health-care and insurance. She also reiterated a conservative social stance, stating that “every life is precious,” opposing women’s participation in women’s sports, and limiting voting to American citizens.

Washington Examiner

• Rep. Russell Fry – Highlights his partnership with the White House and has occasionally mimicked President Trump’s voice in campaign appearances.

Wall Street Journal

• Rep. Ralph Norman – Points to a pre-campaign conversation with President Donald Trump and stresses his alignment with Trump’s agenda.

Wall Street Journal

President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Darline Graham for a full term, reinforcing her connection to the former president’s base.

Wall Street Journal

A late-July Emerson poll of primary-eligible voters found that 73 % strongly or somewhat support U.S. military action in Iran, while 20 % strongly or somewhat oppose it. The data suggest that while candidates may focus on domestic issues, they do not distance themselves from broadly popular military positions.

Washington Examiner

She framed this shift as a response to everyday concerns of South Carolinians. President Donald Trump’s endorsement was framed as confidence that Darline would continue delivering for the state, echoing his praise for Lindsey Graham’s legislative record.

Wall Street Journal

• “I used to see him on the talk shows,” — Darline Graham

Washington Examiner

The primary will determine the Republican nominee, with a runoff scheduled for later in August if no candidate secures a majority. The winner will assume the Senate seat and shape South Carolina’s representation in Washington, likely emphasizing local economic issues over the foreign-policy agenda that defined Lindsey Graham’s tenure.

Washington Examiner