Darline Graham fights for her political future as Norman rallies ex-rivals

Republican voters in South Carolina are set to choose their Senate nominee on Tuesday in a battle between a Trump-endorsed incumbent and a House Freedom Caucus stalwart.

The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., came only after he won the Republican primary in his reelection bid. Gov. Henry McMaster, R-S.C., appointed Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., to complete his term, though she later announced a bid for a full-term.

The Palmetto State is reliably Republican and the winner of the party primary will be heavily favored to win the general election.

At least five potential candidates lay in wait After Graham’s death. Several South Carolina politicians vied for a shot at replacing him. The first round saw Darline Graham emerge on top, with Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., placing second. Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., placed third, while former Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., placed fourth, and candidate Mark Lynch placed fifth.

Norman previously sought the gubernatorial nomination, but finished third behind Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, R-S.C., and state Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The contest has seen the eliminated candidates split on their preferred finalist in the runoff. Lynch, who previously challenged Lindsey Graham in the original primary, has backed Norman. Fry, for his part, broke for Darline Graham.

Trump support not as weighty as one might think

Sanford unexpectedly endorsed Norman on Friday afternoon, giving the upstate conservative a 2-1 edge in endorsements from former rivals.

Graham’s biggest backer is, of course, President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed support for her candidacy and even held a rally in Myrtle Beach over the weekend to benefit her.

But Trump’s support in South Carolina has recently proven to be insufficient to push a candidate over the finish line.

In the gubernatorial race, he backed Evette. Though she finished first in the initial round. Most of the eliminated candidates and their supporters rallied behind Wilson, forcing Trump into an awkward double-endorsement to avoid a decisive loss for his preferred choice.

While Trump seems more committed to his senatorial pick, he has generally refrained from attacking Norman, whose support remains strong.

Limited polling data for the runoff has been published, though betting odds currently favor Graham. Nevertheless, the cycle has proven disastrous for polling companies, with many surveys posting 20-point misses in primary races across the nation.

Graham did herself no favors during her debate with Norman last week. In a now-viral moment, Graham admitted she was not well-informed on national security, which was a priority concern for her late brother.

Norman, for his part, seems to benefit from being a relatively known commodity among Palmetto State voters, with an established voting record on most issues. Sanford, in issuing his endorsement, pointed to that record as his main justification.

“Are there things on which I disagree with Ralph, absolutely. But again there are no carbon copies as candidates, and I have seen first hand his experience in legislative circles, matched by a conservative voting record and conservative stands,” he said.

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