Ralph Norman and Darline Graham have advanced to a runoff election on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to fill the Senate seat formerly held by Lindsey Graham's late brother. Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve out the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s term, announced on July 20, 2026, that she would run for a full six-year term.

According to The Associated Press, Graham led Norman by nine percentage points at the time of reporting. However, no candidate received a majority of the vote, necessitating the runoff.

Graham’s candidacy surprised some South Carolina Republicans, with several candidates criticizing her late brother’s hawkish foreign policy record. South Carolina Freedom Conference Chairman Jordan Pace told the Daily Caller that some Republicans were frustrated by Graham’s decision to run for a full term and also expressed dissatisfaction with her late brother’s policies and governing style.

Businessman Mark Lynch reentered the race after losing to Lindsey Graham in the June 9 primary.

Candidates in the race have indicated they plan to focus more on domestic issues compared to Lindsey Graham. One candidate, Fry, acknowledged the importance of foreign policy, stating, “Foreign policy is important. It is an important issue as the United States leads the world in a lot of ways.”

The runoff election will determine who will represent the GOP in the Senate seat once held by Lindsey Graham’s late brother.

Sources