Darline Graham has advanced to a runoff election in the special Republican Senate primary in South Carolina, according to the Associated Press. The primary race is to succeed the late GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly at age 71 one month prior to the election held on Tuesday, August 12, 2026.

Graham, the late senator's younger sister, was appointed last month by Governor Henry McMaster to fill the remainder of Lindsey Graham's Senate term, which ends at the close of the year. She stated during the vote that she is running to help "President Trump get his agenda passed."

The runoff election will take place in two weeks and will feature Darline Graham and one other contender from the primary field. The race is seen as a significant test of former President Donald Trump's influence within the GOP, as Trump endorsed Graham in the contest.

Sources