South Carolina Republicans Unite to Defend Conservative Values in Special Primary After Sen. Lindsey Graham's Passing
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Patriotic South Carolinians turned out Tuesday to vote in a special GOP primary to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the late Lindsey Graham. The race features strong conservative candidates, including Graham's sister Darline Graham, two principled U.S. Representatives, and former governor Mark Sanford.
On Tuesday, South Carolina’s Republican voters demonstrated their commitment to upholding conservative values by participating in a special primary to choose a worthy successor to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11 from a torn aorta. The race has drawn a field of accomplished and dedicated public servants, including Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed interim senator by Governor Henry McMaster, two respected members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and former governor Mark Sanford.
Darline Graham, stepping up in a time of loss, entered the race just a week after her brother’s passing and quickly received the endorsement of President Donald Trump, a testament to her alignment with America First principles. While campaign finance rules prevent her from directly utilizing Trump’s campaign funds, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is able to accept unlimited contributions for advertising in support of her candidacy, and a super-PAC that previously supported Lindsey Graham has committed $900,000 to ensure her campaign’s success.
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, a steadfast fiscal conservative and proven leader, has garnered endorsements from Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee, as well as Rep. Nancy Mace. Norman’s principled positions have occasionally put him at odds with Trump, such as his support for Nikki Haley in the 2024 presidential primary, but he remains a strong advocate for limited government and responsible spending. Rep. Russell Fry, a dedicated Trump ally from the Myrtle Beach area, is also seeking the seat, aiming to bring his unwavering support for conservative policies to the entire state.
Former governor and congressman Mark Sanford, despite past personal challenges, is seeking to return to public service. After concluding a previous campaign for his former House seat, Sanford is now traveling the state, reconnecting with voters and emphasizing his experience and commitment to South Carolina.
On the Democratic side, Dr. Annie Andrews, a physician from Charleston, won her party’s primary in June and now faces the uphill battle of running against a strong Republican field. Democrats have not won a U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina for decades, and the last Senate race was decided by a decisive ten-point margin in favor of the GOP.
Due to state law, the special election is being held on a compressed timeline, requiring candidates to balance their campaign efforts with honoring the memory of the late Senator Graham, a true conservative statesman.