Darline Graham wins South Carolinas GOP Senate primary runoff election for brothers seat
Sen.Darline Graham defeated Rep.
Ralph Norman Tuesday in the South Carolina special Republican Senate primary runoff election, moving one step closer to holding on to her late brother’s seat in the upper chamber for a full term. Graham (R-SC), who was endorsed and encouraged by President Trump to run for Lindsay Graham’s seat following the longtime senator’s shocking death last month, topped Norman (R-SC) 53-47% in the Palmetto State primary runoff, with more than three-fourths of the ballots counted.She previously bested Norman and several other contenders, including former South Carolina Gov.Mark Sanford (R), Rep.
Russell Fry (R-SC), businessman Mark Lynch, and more, in the initial Aug.11 special GOP Senate primary. Fry, who received about 20% and placed third in the initial primary, quickly endorsed Graham after losing his Senate bid. Graham, 62, also secured key endorsements from Sen.
Tim Scott (R-SC) and South Carolina Republican Gov.Henry McMaster and more than $800,000 in financial support from pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc.“We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot,” Trump said of Graham in a Truth Social post on the eve of the runoff.“Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina,” the president continued, adding that “there is nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother.” Trump urged South Carolinians to get out and vote for Graham last week, telling his supporters at a packed Myrtle Beach rally to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and warning that they’ll “lose everything” if she doesn’t win her Senate race. During the primary race, Graham differentiated herself from her brother by highlighting her interest on domestic issues, including affordability, immigration, gun rights, election integrity and opposition to DEI. “I loved my brother ...