Darline Graham Wins South Carolina GOP Senate Nomination

Darline Graham Wins South Carolina GOP Senate Nomination

Republican voters in South Carolina selected Darline Graham as the GOP Senate nominee on August 11, 2026, after a crowded primary that could trigger a runoff, NPR reported. The primary, held to fill the seat of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, attracted several former state officials and was marked by President Donald Trump's endorsement of Graham, which drew mixed reactions from party leaders, CNN noted. Graham announced her candidacy in February, pledging to advance Trump's agenda, according to AP, and later emphasized domestic issues while distancing herself from her brother's foreign-policy stance, thedailybeast reported.

A televised debate among five GOP contenders covered the filibuster, congressional war powers on Iran and data-center expansion, Fox News said. Subsequent AP reports highlighted voter concerns about Graham's experience and campaign visibility, and NBC warned that a runoff might be needed while noting the president's shift toward economic pressure on Iran and widespread wildfires. Al Jazeera said the special primary took place with Graham leading the field.

Actors

President Donald Trump Darline Graham CJ Westfall Dorchester County GOP South Carolina GOP State Rep. Jordan Pace National Republican Senatorial Committee John Barrasso Tom Cotton Shelley Moore Capito Rep. Russell Fry Rep. Ralph Norman Mark Sanford Mark Lynch

Locations

South Carolina, United States Dorchester County, South Carolina, United States

Articles

August 11, 2026
5 total
South Carolina GOP Primary Chooses Senate Nominee Amid Crowded Field
South Carolina GOP Primary Chooses Senate Nominee Amid Crowded Field

NPR • 11 Aug 22:39

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.

Credibility 78% Manip. 12% Center
South Carolina holds special Republican primary to replace late Senator Lindsey Graham
South Carolina holds special Republican primary to replace late Senator Lindsey Graham

Al Jazeera • 11 Aug 11:13

A special primary on Tuesday will select the Republican nominee to succeed the late Lindsey Graham, with former state representative Darline Graham leading the field.

Credibility 72% Manip. 10% Center
South Carolina holds special Republican primary to fill late Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat
South Carolina holds special Republican primary to fill late Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat

The Guardian • 11 Aug 10:15

Ten Republicans, including interim Senator Darline Graham, compete in a fast-track primary, with a runoff likely before the August 25 deadline.

Credibility 71% Manip. 12% Center
South Carolina Senate primary pits Darline Graham against multiple GOP rivals
South Carolina Senate primary pits Darline Graham against multiple GOP rivals

ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • 11 Aug 09:23

Republican voters will choose a nominee to fill the late Lindsey Graham's Senate seat, with former state official Darline Graham facing several congressional and former-governor candidates.

Credibility 71% Manip. 11% Center
South Carolina GOP voters choose successor in special primary after Sen. Lindsey Graham's death
South Carolina GOP voters choose successor in special primary after Sen. Lindsey Graham's death

AP News • 11 Aug 04:04

Republicans in South Carolina voted Tuesday in a special primary to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the late Lindsey Graham, with his sister Darline Graham, two U.S. Representatives and former governor Mark Sanford among the candidates.

Credibility 73% Manip. 27% Center
August 10, 2026
1 total
Graham Faces Runoff Odds in South Carolina Senate Primary as Trump Shifts to Economic Pressure on Iran and U.S. Wildfires Surge
Graham Faces Runoff Odds in South Carolina Senate Primary as Trump Shifts to Economic Pressure on Iran and U.S. Wildfires Surge

NBC News • 10 Aug 11:01

Darline Graham may need a runoff to win her late brother's Senate seat despite President Trump's endorsement, while the president signals a move toward economic pressure on Iran and nearly 100 large wildfires strain U.S. firefighting resources.

Credibility 70% Manip. 28% Center
August 08, 2026
1 total
Darline Graham Faces Crowded GOP Primary After Interim Senate Appointment
Darline Graham Faces Crowded GOP Primary After Interim Senate Appointment

AP News • 08 Aug 15:55

Interim Senator Darline Graham, appointed to succeed her late brother Lindsey Graham, is competing in a Republican primary with several well-known challengers, while voters question her experience and campaign visibility.

Credibility 78% Manip. 9% Center
August 04, 2026
1 total
South Carolina GOP Senate Candidates Clash Over Filibuster, Iran Conflict and Data Centers
South Carolina GOP Senate Candidates Clash Over Filibuster, Iran Conflict and Data Centers

Fox News • 04 Aug 10:00

In a televised debate, five Republican contenders for the South Carolina Senate seat sparred on the filibuster, congressional war powers regarding Iran, and the impact of data center expansion.

Credibility 68% Manip. 32% Right
August 03, 2026
2 total
Lindsey Graham's sister enters Senate race, promises to shift focus to domestic issues
Lindsey Graham's sister enters Senate race, promises to shift focus to domestic issues

thedailybeast.com • 03 Aug 11:41

Darline Graham, appointed to finish her brother's Senate term, announced a bid for a full six-year seat and said she will prioritize affordability and support President Trump's agenda, while distancing herself from his brother's interventionist foreign policy.

Credibility 68% Manip. 30% Center
South Carolina GOP expresses concern over Trump's endorsement of Lindsey Graham's sister for Senate seat
South Carolina GOP expresses concern over Trump's endorsement of Lindsey Graham's sister for Senate seat

HuffPost • 03 Aug 00:04

Republican leaders in South Carolina said President Trump’s choice of Darline Graham Nordone, the late senator’s sister, for the upcoming special Senate primary was unexpected and raised strategic worries within the party.

Credibility 68% Manip. 34% Center
August 01, 2026
2 total
Darline Graham Launches Senate Campaign in South Carolina
Darline Graham Launches Senate Campaign in South Carolina

AP News • 01 Aug 21:19

Sen. Darline Graham, appointed to fill her late brother's seat, announced her candidacy for the special primary, pledging to support President Trump's agenda.

Credibility 78% Manip. 9% Center
South Carolina GOP divided over Trump-backed Darline Graham's Senate bid
South Carolina GOP divided over Trump-backed Darline Graham's Senate bid

CNN • 01 Aug 10:30

Republican leaders in South Carolina express mixed reactions to President Trump's endorsement of Darline Graham, who was appointed to finish her brother Lindsey Graham's Senate term and is now running for a full term.

Credibility 68% Manip. 32% Center