South Carolina Senate candidates spar over experience and foreign policy in runoff debate
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Incumbent Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman clashed on résumé, national-security knowledge and policy positions during a debate ahead of the Republican runoff.
Incumbent Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman debated Tuesday at the Newberry Opera House as they vie for the Republican nomination to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Graham, appointed to the Senate last month, faced criticism over her limited political background, especially when asked about Taiwan, the South China Sea and U.S. security interests.
"I’m not on national security. I’m not that informed on national security, but I do support the military," Graham said, adding that national security is "not my thing." She later aligned her foreign-policy views with President Donald Trump, stating she trusts his handling of the war in Iran and his efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Norman countered by portraying himself as an outsider to Washington, accusing Graham of being backed by the establishment. "Washington is with her. They’re not with me, nor do I want them. I’ve never been subservient to anything in Washington. Washington is broken," he said. The candidates also traded barbs over past campaign actions, with Graham questioning Norman’s shifting ambitions between state and federal office. Both candidates agreed that former health official Dr. Anthony Fauci should face jail time for invoking the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing, a comment Norman framed as "he ought to be in an orange jumpsuit." On AI data-center regulation, Graham said she supports development but wants community-level guidelines, while Norman accused her of previously backing data centers without conditions. In closing remarks, Graham highlighted her legislative activity in her first 20 days, citing a vote on a Russia sanctions bill, co-sponsorship of conservative measures and confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche. Norman warned that "democratic socialism" is the real threat and pledged to support Trump-backed election legislation if elected.