South Carolina Senate primary pits Darline Graham against multiple GOP rivals

Republican voters in South Carolina will cast ballots Tuesday in a primary to select a nominee for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. The contest includes Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister who was appointed to finish his term, and a slate of other GOP contenders such as U.S. Representatives Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, former governor Mark Sanford and businessman Mark Lynch.

Graham, who previously served on state commissions and in roles at Clemson University and state workforce agencies, says she will focus on domestic issues and affordability and supports eliminating the Senate filibuster. She emphasizes her outsider status, noting she is not a career politician or millionaire. "I'm not a politician. I'm not a millionaire. I understand the average struggles of the American family," she said during an early-August debate.

Her campaign is backed by President Donald Trump, a factor that political science professor Chase Meyer says could be decisive given her low name recognition. "Without that endorsement, it would be hard to tell how well she would do at all in this race," Meyer told ABC News.

Other candidates have highlighted their own conservative credentials. Norman and Fry, both sitting congressmen, have stressed support for the president despite running against his endorsed candidate. Sanford is seeking a comeback after a controversial tenure as governor, while Lynch previously challenged Lindsey Graham and captured about 30% of the vote in June.

If no contender reaches a majority, the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff on Aug. 25. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who ran for the state’s 1st Congressional District in 2022 and secured the Democratic Senate primary in June. Andrews said her campaign will focus on lowering costs, protecting health care and supporting South Carolina families.