South Carolina GOP Primary Chooses Senate Nominee Amid Crowded Field
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Republican voters in South Carolina are selecting a nominee to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with former state officials and a Trump-endorsed incumbent competing in a potentially runoff-required primary.
South Carolina Republicans voted Tuesday in a primary to select the party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death. Incumbent Sen. Darline Graham, appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to finish her brother’s term, received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, who said she would "help us achieve our mission to Make America Great Again" and described her as "tough and strong."
Graham, who has been in Washington for a few weeks, highlighted her focus on cost-of-living issues, contrasting her priorities with her brother’s emphasis on the federal budget and national security. She told reporters she is "still standing" despite a demanding campaign schedule.
Other candidates include Rep. Ralph Norman, a House Freedom Caucus member endorsed by Sens. Mike Lee and Rick Scott, who emphasized fiscal conservatism and support for the "America First" agenda. Rep. Russell Fry, who defeated former Rep. Tom Rice in a 2022 primary, argues that a broader field benefits the conservative movement. Former Gov. and Rep. Mark Sanford, known for his criticism of the national debt, campaigned with a symbolic stunt involving piglets to illustrate his record on spending cuts.
Early voting saw about 61,000 GOP voters cast ballots, with some expressing preference for Sanford’s experience, while others praised Graham’s demeanor and platform. Voters in various counties indicated that both the Trump endorsement and local issues influenced their choices.
The primary could lead to a runoff on Aug. 25 if no candidate secures a majority. The GOP nominee will face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in the November general election, a race that analysts consider likely to favor the Republican candidate in the heavily GOP-leaning state.