Graham Faces Runoff Odds in South Carolina Senate Primary as Trump Shifts to Economic Pressure on Iran and U.S. Wildfires Surge

Darline Graham, who has never held elected office, is expected to face a runoff in the South Carolina Republican primary for the Senate seat vacated by her late brother Lindsey Graham. Multiple sources say the contest will likely be between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, a former gubernatorial candidate, and analysts note that Graham's short campaign window could make the race challenging despite President Donald Trump's endorsement.

"Norman just spent millions raising his name ID in the governor’s race. And South Carolinians are too independent to accept a coronation," one source said.

The primary is seen as a test of Trump's influence in a state where the GOP base has shown an independent streak.

In a separate development, President Trump indicated a shift from military threats to sustained economic pressure to compel Iran to meet new demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Axios, Trump said the United States is "low-keying" the situation and is "semi-negotiating" while monitoring Iran's inflation and financial constraints.

"It will work out. It always works out. It’s like a chess game," Trump added.

The change follows earlier statements that a major military operation against Iran had been called off pending a peace deal.

Across the United States, fire crews are battling 94 large wildfires that have burned roughly 3.6 million acres, primarily in the Pacific Northwest. More than 30,400 personnel are deployed, with firefighters often working 16-hour shifts and rotating between incidents as resources are stretched thin. British Columbia has also declared a state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire forced over 20,000 residents to evacuate.