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Darline Graham and Ralph Norman head to South Carolina’s Senate runoff
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Darline Graham and Ralph Norman have been campaigning for the South Carolina Senate primary in an unusually short 45-day period following the unexpected death of Senator Lindsey Graham in July.
- Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's sister, to serve the remainder of his term, and she surprised political observers by deciding to run for a full term with Donald Trump's endorsement.
- Despite her lack of legislative experience and a gaffe on defense policy, Darline Graham secured the top spot to advance to the August 25 runoff from a crowded 10-candidate Republican field.
- Ralph Norman, known as a conservative House member, is challenging Graham by emphasizing his MAGA credentials and criticizing her readiness for the Senate role.
- Trump's backing of Darline Graham is framed as a favor to his late friend Lindsey Graham, serving as a significant test of Trump's influence over Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections.
