**Darline Graham Wins GOP Primary for Late Brother Lindsey’s Senate Seat**
Darline Graham has emerged victorious in the Republican Senate primary runoff in South Carolina, positioning herself strongly for a full six-year term in the seat previously held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. In a closely contested race, Darline Graham garnered approximately 52% of the vote, defeating five-term Congressman Ralph Norman, who received around 48%, according to preliminary results.
The primary took place on Tuesday, and Graham will now face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the general election scheduled for November 3. South Carolina has historically leaned Republican, having not elected a Democratic U.S. senator since 1998, which places Graham in a favorable position heading into the election.
Darline Graham, 62, was appointed to the Senate by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster in July following her brother's unexpected passing. Lindsey Graham, a veteran lawmaker known for his hawkish foreign policy stance, died shortly after returning from a visit to Kiev. Darline had no prior experience in elected office, having previously served as a commissioner for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and in a communications role at the state Vocational Rehabilitation Department.
Initially appointed as a caretaker senator, Darline Graham's political trajectory shifted dramatically after receiving the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who encouraged her to run for the seat. Trump actively campaigned for her in South Carolina, and his MAGA Inc. super PAC invested nearly $830,000 to support her candidacy leading up to the runoff.
In the first round of the Republican primary held on August 11, Graham led the field of ten candidates with about 33% of the vote, while Norman followed with roughly 25%. This outcome necessitated the runoff as neither candidate achieved a majority.
Despite her victory, Graham's campaign faced scrutiny following a debate performance that raised concerns about her preparedness for the Senate. During the debate, she struggled to articulate her views on national security issues, admitting, “National security is not my thing,” and emphasized her belief that South Carolina voters were more focused on domestic matters.
This admission starkly contrasts with the legacy of her brother, who spent over two decades in the Senate advocating for a robust foreign policy. Lindsey Graham was known for his strong support of Ukraine, his push for sanctions against Russia, and his aggressive stance towards Iran and other adversaries. At his funeral, Trump characterized Lindsey as “extremely hawkish,” noting that he “never saw a war that he didn’t like.”
Despite her initial struggles, Darline Graham has already taken steps to continue her brother's legacy in foreign policy. Shortly after her appointment, she co-sponsored legislation originally championed by Lindsey that targets countries purchasing energy from Russia and Iran. The Senate passed this measure earlier this month, marking her first significant legislative action.
Trump's endorsement played a crucial role in Graham's primary success, helping her to overcome criticisms from Norman and his supporters, who questioned her experience and labeled her candidacy as a product of political nepotism.
As the November election approaches, Darline Graham's campaign will likely focus on consolidating support from Republican voters while addressing concerns about her readiness for the Senate. With South Carolina's Republican base firmly in her favor, she aims to secure her late brother's seat and continue the political legacy of the Graham family.