Darline Graham vs Ralph Norman in GOP Senate Runoff 2026

Darline Graham and Ralph Norman are set for a runoff in the Republican Senate primary, a high-stakes contest that will determine the GOP nominee for South Carolina’s special Senate election. The race has drawn national attention due to its implications for Senate control and the influence of former President Donald Trump.

Background of the Special Senate Primary

The special primary was triggered by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, whose term Darline Graham was appointed to complete. The abbreviated primary took place on Tuesday, with Darline Graham holding a narrow lead in the polls. However, the race for second place was extremely tight, with Ralph Norman, Russell Fry, and Mark Sanford all polling within a point of each other in the latest Trafalgar Group survey.

Now, Darline Graham and Ralph Norman will face off in a runoff scheduled for August 25. The winner will then compete against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November general election.

Key Candidates and Their Campaigns

Darline Graham: The Appointed Incumbent

Darline Graham, who has served in the Senate for only three weeks, is running on her experience as a former state agency head and her focus on affordability. She has highlighted her role in passing a sanctions bill targeting Russia and her deciding vote on Todd Blanche as attorney general. Graham has also secured endorsements from Donald Trump, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

In a recent interview, Graham said, “I ran a state agency. I turned it from a struggling agency into a national model. I think that’s great experience to bring to the table.” She also emphasized her accomplishments in Washington, noting, “I was the deciding vote on Todd Blanche as attorney general. So I think I’ve accomplished a whole lot in three weeks.”

Ralph Norman: The Congressman from Charlotte Suburbs

Ralph Norman has represented a congressional district in the suburbs of Charlotte since 2017. His district is vote-rich for Republicans and contributes disproportionately to statewide primary results. Norman has broad support from state legislators and has maintained a statewide campaign apparatus from his failed gubernatorial primary bid in June.

His campaign has highlighted his support for the Save America Act, a Trump-backed bill that would impose federal requirements on states to mandate proof of citizenship at voter registration and submit state voter rolls to federal oversight. Norman’s experience in Congress and his strong conservative credentials make him a formidable opponent.

Polling and Predictions

According to the Trafalgar Group’s most recent survey, Darline Graham leads with a narrow margin, but the race for second place is too close to call. The runoff will be a test of each candidate’s ability to consolidate support from the other primary contenders’ voters.

With such a tight margin, the runoff is expected to be highly competitive. Both candidates are likely to ramp up their campaigning and seek to energize their bases.

Implications for the November Election

The winner of the runoff will face Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee. South Carolina is a reliably Republican state, so the GOP nominee is favored in November. However, the primary outcome could influence voter enthusiasm and turnout in the general election.

Darline Graham’s quick rise and Trump endorsement give her a strong advantage, but Ralph Norman’s established base in a vote-rich district could prove decisive. The runoff will also be a test of Trump’s influence in the state, as he has backed Graham.

Key Takeaways

• Darline Graham and Ralph Norman will compete in an August 25 runoff for the GOP Senate nomination.
• Graham has Trump’s endorsement and touts her legislative accomplishments.
• Norman has strong support from state legislators and a key congressional district.
• The winner faces Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
• The race is a bellwether for Trump’s influence in South Carolina.

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