On Tuesday, August 26, 2026, President Donald Trump achieved a crucial victory in the South Carolina Republican primary runoff. Senator Darline Graham (R-S.C.) defeated Representative Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) to secure the GOP nomination for the South Carolina Senate race.

This primary runoff was seen as an important measure of Trump's continuing influence within the Republican Party, especially as several of his endorsed candidates for gubernatorial and House seats have recently lost their primaries. Graham, who was appointed to serve the remainder of her late predecessor's term, now moves forward as the GOP nominee.

The win in the Palmetto State underscores Trump's role in shaping the party's direction ahead of the upcoming general elections.

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