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Trump Endorses Darline Graham in SC Senate Nominee Runoff

8/17/2026

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Center

Graham Runoff

A runoff election to determine the Republican nominee for South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat is set for Aug. 25, 2026, pitting Darline Graham against Ralph Norman.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham as interim senator after Lindsey Graham’s death in early July.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham for the runoff.
Rep. Russell Fry endorsed Darline Graham after missing the runoff.

Right

Graham vs Norman

A runoff for South Carolina’s Republican U.S. Senate nomination is set for Aug. 25, 2026, pitting Darline Graham against Ralph Norman.
Operatives say Norman’s supporters voted in three of the last four elections, giving him a turnout edge.
President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham, calling her a fighter and ally who will deliver.
Mark Lynch endorsed Ralph Norman, describing him as a businessman with a proven conservative record.

Blindspot

Blindspot

Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham as interim U.S. senator after Lindsey Graham’s death in early July.
Other state officials have expressed support for both Darline Graham and Ralph Norman in the upcoming runoff.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

When longtime Senator Strom Thurmond retired in 2002, the open South Carolina seat produced the first non-incumbent Republican win since Reconstruction when Lindsey Graham captured the seat. Graham held it until his death in 2026, and the 2026 Republican runoff between Darline Graham and Ralph Norman mirrors that historic contest.

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Graham Runoff

A runoff election to determine the Republican nominee for South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat is set for Aug. 25, 2026, pitting Darline Graham against Ralph Norman.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham as interim senator after Lindsey Graham’s death in early July.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham for the runoff.
Rep. Russell Fry endorsed Darline Graham after missing the runoff.

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