Runoff Election Set For Lindsey Graham’s Former Senate Seat

Interim U.S. Senator Darline Graham and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced to a runoff in South Carolina’s special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Ahead of Tuesday’s primary, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, to serve the remainder of the term, which ends in January 2027. Under state law, a special primary was required to select the Republican nominee for the full six-year term beginning in 2027.

Ten candidates appeared on the Republican primary ballot. Unofficial results with nearly all votes counted showed Darline Graham receiving 109,582 votes, or 32.7 percent, while Norman secured second place with 24.6 percent of the vote.

Significant vote shares also went to additional candidates, as U.S. Rep. Russell Fry finished third with roughly 19.6 percent of the vote. Former Governor Mark Sanford trailed close behind with 14.9 percent, while businessman Mark Lynch, who previously mounted a primary challenge against the late Senator Graham, received a little under six percent. A handful of additional candidates received smaller shares of the vote.

Total votes cast exceeded 334,000. Because no candidate obtained more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff was required under South Carolina law.

67% of South Carolina Republicans just voted against the incumbent, Darline Graham.

That is a clear statement.@RalphNorman is in an incredibly strong position. pic.twitter.com/DlSmclTfXA

— Adam Morgan (@RepAdamMorgan) August 12, 2026

President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham prior to the primary. “During her visit, I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey. Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN,” the president posted on Truth Social after meeting with Graham at the White House last month.

After the primary results, Trump told reporters he planned to campaign for Graham. “Just so you understand, I like the other people. They’re all Trumpers, but, I endorse her. I think she’s great,” he said.

“I will spend the next two weeks of this runoff meeting with voters and, unlike some politicians, listening to their concerns — yes, listening to their concerns. This seat belongs to the people of South Carolina and I will work hard to earn, earn your vote,” Graham said in a statement of her own. She went on to thank President Trump for his support.

Norman, a real estate developer who has represented South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District since 2017 and serves as a member of the House Freedom Caucus, also spoke after the results. “Voters made it clear they want a proven conservative with a record of getting the job done on the ballot for the U.S. Senate, and as we advance to the runoff, that’s exactly what we’ll give them,” he said.

The runoff election is scheduled for August 25, with early voting set for August 19-21. The winner of the runoff will become the Republican nominee and face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the general election. The eventual Republican nominee is heavily favored to hold the seat given the state’s partisan lean.

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