Sen. Darline Graham has won the Republican special primary runoff for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, according to projections by CNN’s Decision Desk. She will replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the general election ballot.
Graham’s victory marks a significant moment in South Carolina politics, as she steps into a role that had been filled by her brother for many years, according to The Guardian. She was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who played a major role in supporting her campaign, according to a report from CBS News.
Despite her lack of prior experience in elected office, Graham has been able to gain traction with voters and political allies. Graham’s campaign focused on domestic issues, and she has positioned herself as a problem solver with decades of experience in public service. She most recently served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Graham’s campaign also received support from a major super PAC aligned with Trump’s movement, which spent $827,000 on her behalf. The group spent $827,000 on her behalf to promote her through phone calls and text messages. This was a notable increase for the PAC, which had only spent about $18,000 in 2026 on midterm races before this campaign.
Graham’s opponent in the runoff was Rep. Ralph Norman, a longtime member of Congress and a real estate developer. Norman had served in the South Carolina House of Representatives before winning election to Congress in 2017.
He was one of a few Republicans who supported former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in her bid for president. Norman’s campaign portrayed Graham as an outsider with ties to Washington elites.
He also faced criticism for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, including texting Trump’s chief of staff to suggest declaring martial law. Graham’s campaign was tested during a debate last week when she struggled with questions about national security and Taiwan.
She admitted to not being a polished politician but emphasized her experience working in public service. Despite this stumble, she was able to gain support from voters and political figures, including Trump himself.
Graham’s campaign also drew attention for its focus on clean energy and environmental issues, CNN reported. A super PAC called Invest in Tomorrow Coalition spent $1 million against her opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman, due to his stance on renewable energy.
This PAC had previously supported candidates who opposed clean energy policies, including Rep. Andy Ogles and Rep. Chip Roy. In the runoff, Graham was projected to win by a wide margin in Horry County, where Norman had previously done well.
She also led in counties where another candidate, Russell Fry, had performed strongly in the earlier primary. Supporters gathered to celebrate her win in Columbia, South Carolina, with a watch party at which state officials and her family were present.
Graham will now face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the general election. Andrews is a pediatrician from Charleston and the first Democrat to win the primary for Senate in South Carolina since 2006.
She challenged Graham to at least three televised debates after the Republican nomination was secured. Andrews said voters deserve more information about Graham’s background and qualifications.
The general election will take place in November, with the race expected to be competitive despite the Democratic disadvantage in the state. In other developments, a runoff is also underway in Oklahoma for governor, where Trump has endorsed former state Sen. Mike Mazzei over Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
In the Democratic primary for Senate in Oklahoma, N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas has won the nomination against Jim Priest. The runoff elections in both states are being closely watched as signs of how Trump’s influence continues to shape Republican races across the country.
Graham has said she will carry out her brother’s legacy while also charting her own course in the Senate. She has emphasized that she is a leader with decades of experience working for South Carolina.
The race for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina will be one of several key contests this fall, as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of federal seats.
IMAGE: Tweet Text:
With my sister Darline & @ISF_ButterCow what a great day at the @IowaStateFair #ISF2015. Photo: LindseyGrahamSC / Wikimedia, taken 2015-08-17, Public domain