Norman joins Graham in advancing to SC Senate primary runoff: AP

Graham died unexpectedly in July, setting up a special primary as he had already won the party nomination and was seeking reelection in November.

By Ben Whedon

Published: August 11, 2026 8:17pm

Updated: August 11, 2026 9:03pm

Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., and Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., have advanced to a runoff in the race to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on the ticket as South Carolina Republican nominee for Senate in November.

Graham died unexpectedly in July, setting up a special primary as he had already won the party nomination and was seeking reelection in November. Gov. Henry McMaster, R-S.C., tapped his sister, Darline Graham, to complete his term. She ultimately opted to seek the GOP nomination for a full term. President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham.

The Associated Press projected Graham to advance at 8:17 p.m. at which point she led with 32.5% of the vote. Norman was projected to advance at 9:01 p.m. at which time he had 24.3% of the vote.

Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry were vying for second place, with the pair trading places several times as votes came in.

The candidates included Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., former Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., former Republican Senate candidate Mark Lynch, and several lesser-known candidates.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.