Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed to complete the Senate term of her late brother Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, will face Congressman Ralph Norman in a runoff election for the Republican nomination. This follows Norman's narrow victory over Congressman Russell Fry and former Governor Mark Sanford in the special primary held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Polls before the primary indicated a tight race for second place, with Norman, Fry, and Sanford polling within a point of each other according to the Trafalgar Group. Graham held a narrow lead going into the abbreviated special primary.

The runoff election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November general election.

Graham has emphasized her experience and focus on affordability in recent interviews, stating, “I think that’s great experience to bring to the table,” after casting her ballot. She also highlighted her role in passing a sanctions bill targeting Russia and her decisive vote on Todd Blanche as attorney general during her short tenure in Washington. Graham enjoys endorsements from former President Donald Trump, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Mark Sanford, who lost in the primary, posted on social media, “I got into this race because I believe our nation is at a financial tipping point. I held the line on spending as Governor unlike any Governor before or since and ask for your vote today so that I might fight for our grandkids’ ability to afford the American Dream.”

The runoff will determine who will represent the Republican Party in the upcoming Senate race for South Carolina.

Sources