President Donald Trump listens to U.S. Senator Darline Graham during a campaign rally on August 21, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. President Trump traveled to South Carolina to support Graham ahead of Tuesday’s runoff election against Rep. Ralph Norman. McNamee/Getty Images Wins North America hide caption toggle caption McNamee/Getty Images Wins North America COLUMBIA, South Carolina – South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham has won the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, according to an Associated Press election call. Her victory came after an endorsement from President Trump, who endorsed her for a full term in the seat previously held by her brother, the late Senator Lindsey Graham. He beat Rep. Ralph Norman for the nomination in Tuesday’s special election primary runoff after no candidate outright won the GOP special election primary earlier this month. He will now face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in November in the Republican-majority state. Trump had endorsed Graham, a political newcomer, as an interim replacement for his brother, who died of heart disease on July 11, and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term. Trump then endorsed Graham to run for a full term. Trump Maintains Influence in Primary The race was one of Trump’s biggest gambles in the midterm primary cycle, in which Graham faced off against more experienced members of the party establishment. “I’m doing this to honor Lindsey. That’s why I’m here,” Trump said at a rally in Myrtle Beach on August 21. “So, Darline, we have to win that race.” Graham touted his connection to Trump. “Critics say I shouldn’t run for the Senate. They say I’m not a politician. You know what I’m saying? Guilty as charged,” she said during the rally. “By the way, President Trump has never held elected office before and I think he’s done a very good job.” Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., spent more than $827,000 on Graham’s behalf. His PAC portfolio has been virtually closed during several close Republican primaries this election cycle. Support for the president has a mixed record this year, with losses in major races in Florida, Georgia, Iowa and Minnesota, among other places. Overall, his support has gained more than lost in the primaries, where he can exert his influence on the Republican base. Ray Saldi, 60, voted for Graham and said the endorsement of officials who supported her was not what solidified the decision. The family name and the almost blank political list attracted him. “I really liked her brother, Lindsey Graham. I just wanted to make sure she was truly genuine with the people of South Carolina,” he said. Saldi said he felt Graham would be more willing to put South Carolina above all else. An Abbreviated GOP Primary Campaign Despite his lack of political experience, Graham inherited an experienced campaign machine. His brother had held elected office since 1995, when he initially served in the House. He told supporters in Aiken, South Carolina, on Monday that he wants to carry on his brother’s legacy throughout his term. “I want to keep fighting to finish what he was doing. He helped this state. He brought resources to this state. And you know what? If we don’t bring them here, they’ll go somewhere else, right?” During the only pre-runoff candidate debate, hosted by NewsMax, Graham received criticism for his response to a question about the importance of Taiwan and the South China Sea. “I’m going to be honest,” she said. “I’m not that informed about national security.” Graham’s response drew ‘boos’ from the audience. Lindsey Graham was known for his aggressive advocacy of US national security and dedicated his career to foreign policy issues. Norman, on the other hand, had political experience as a five-term congressman and a member of the House Freedom Caucus. Earlier this year, Rep. Norman ran for governor of South Carolina but came in third. During his short Senate campaign, Norman has leaned on his political experience as a reason why voters should send him to the chamber. By voting earlier Tuesday, Rep. Norman leaned into his role as the underdog in this race. “I love being an underdog,” he said. “I think our people are going to come out and vote. I think they’re excited. The electricity we’ve had has been great.” He also appealed to some Trump skeptics. While Norman aligned himself politically with the president, he endorsed his old friend, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, in her 2024 presidential bid against Trump. Haley repaid that support to the tune of more than $700,000 in outside money from PACs aligned with her. However, voters of all parties have been defying the political class by voting for anti-establishment candidates this election cycle. Graham has definitely taken advantage of the fact that she is not a career politician. Luis-Alfredo Garcia of South Carolina Public Radio contributed to this report.
