Darline Graham won the Republican Senate runoff in South Carolina on Tuesday night, August 26, 2026, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in the special primary to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. Lindsey Graham, a four-term senator seeking reelection, died suddenly last month, prompting a swift effort to fill his Senate seat and ballot position.

Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve out the remainder of her brother's term, which ends early next year. However, the GOP nomination for the full six-year term, which Lindsey Graham had won in June, was decided by voters in the runoff.

At 62, Darline Graham emphasized her experience and ability to serve a full Senate term as central to her campaign. Her victory was supported by significant backing from former President Donald Trump, who campaigned for her in South Carolina and hosted a tele-rally. Trump's political action committee spent over $800,000 on phone calls to South Carolina voters on her behalf, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Darline Graham received nearly 33% of the vote compared to Norman's almost 25%. Her win positions her as the Republican candidate on the November ballot to succeed her late brother.

Sources