Nine Republican candidates competing to permanently fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's Senate seat made their final pitches to voters on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at an event in Florence County, South Carolina. Hosted by Alan Wilson, South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial nominee, the gathering resembled a "speed dating" format, with each candidate allotted six minutes to speak.

The candidates tackled several pressing topics, including the ongoing war with Iran, the rise of socialism within the Democratic Party, and privacy concerns related to Flock cameras. Darline Graham, chosen to complete her brother Lindsey Graham's term following his death in July, was the last to address attendees, emphasizing her commitment to earning their votes.

Several candidates made notable remarks:

  • Ralph Norman expressed his intent to use his expertise to "go to the Senate and force the vote, whether it's blowing up the filibuster or having a walking filibuster or getting with the parliamentarian and changing some of these stupid, arcane rules that the Senate has."
  • Another candidate criticized presidential activity levels, saying, "We went from a president who slept for 20 and was awake for four, to a president who is awake for 20 and sleeps for four."
  • A hopeful reflected on the American dream, stating, "In 15 years, it slid back 20 years, which is to say the American dream is becoming that much more difficult — whether it's my four boys or y'all's kids or grandkids out there."
  • In response to a question on aiding South Carolina farmers after natural disasters, candidate Parker pledged to work on mitigating "the climate extremes that we are experiencing now."

Other candidates highlighted their backgrounds and endorsements, with one noting experience running the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, a state agency with a $90 million budget and dozens of employees. Another emphasized, "I'm not a politician. I never wanted to be a politician. But like Lindsey, I have a servant's heart. I am a hard worker. And yes, I have President Trump's endorsement, but I know I have to earn your votes."

The event marked one of the final opportunities for candidates to make their closing arguments before the South Carolina Republican Senate primary vote scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Sources