South Carolina GOP Primary: Conservative Power Struggle to Replace Lindsey Graham
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Republican voters in South Carolina are choosing a Senate nominee to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with a Trump-endorsed incumbent and hardline conservatives battling in a primary that may require a runoff.
On Tuesday, South Carolina Republicans participated in a primary to select their nominee for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. The race is dominated by figures entrenched in right-wing politics, with incumbent Sen. Darline Graham, appointed by Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, receiving a public endorsement from Donald Trump. Trump, whose administration was marked by divisive policies and attacks on marginalized communities, claimed Graham would 'help us achieve our mission to Make America Great Again,' lauding her as 'tough and strong.'
Darline Graham, who has spent only a few weeks in Washington, has attempted to shift focus to cost-of-living issues, a notable departure from her brother’s hawkish stance on the federal budget and national security. Still, her campaign remains closely tied to the Trump agenda, which has historically prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation over substantive relief for working families. Graham told reporters she is 'still standing' despite the exhausting campaign, but critics question whether her priorities will truly address the needs of ordinary South Carolinians.
Other candidates include Rep. Ralph Norman, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, endorsed by hardline conservatives Sens. Mike Lee and Rick Scott. Norman has doubled down on fiscal austerity and the 'America First' agenda, which has often translated to cuts in social programs and immigrant scapegoating. Rep. Russell Fry, who previously ousted a fellow Republican for insufficient loyalty to Trump, argues that a crowded field is good for the conservative movement, further pushing the party to the right. Former Gov. and Rep. Mark Sanford, known for his grandstanding on the national debt while ignoring the needs of the vulnerable, brought piglets to the campaign trail as a gimmick to highlight his obsession with spending cuts.
Early voting saw about 61,000 GOP voters cast ballots, with some gravitating toward Sanford’s establishment credentials, while others praised Graham’s demeanor and Trump-aligned platform. Across various counties, voters cited Trump’s endorsement and local issues as key factors, underscoring the party’s ongoing embrace of reactionary politics.
If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will be held on Aug. 25, prolonging the right-wing infighting. The eventual GOP nominee will face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in November’s general election. Despite the state’s heavy Republican tilt, Andrews represents a progressive alternative focused on healthcare and working families, in stark contrast to the GOP’s regressive agenda.