South Carolina voters participated on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in a special Republican primary election to select a candidate to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on the November ballot. The field included Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister, who was appointed to serve the remaining months of Lindsey Graham’s term following his death in July.

Darline Graham advanced from the crowded GOP field, securing a spot in a potential runoff election scheduled for August 25, 2026, if no candidate received at least half of the vote. She received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and financial support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

Other notable candidates included Russell Fry (R-S.C.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), former governor and congressman Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch. These candidates stood as challengers to Darline Graham’s bid for the party’s nomination and a full Senate term in the predominantly Republican Palmetto State.

If no candidate achieves a majority on August 11, the top two vote-getters will proceed to the August 25 runoff.

Sources