Trump-Backed Darline Graham Advances To South Carolina Senate Runoff
23 hours ago
Trump-backed Sen. Darline Graham is heading to a Republican runoff against U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman in the special election to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Graham, a first-time candidate who was appointed to serve the remaining months of her brother’s term following his sudden death on July 11, finished first in Tuesday’s crowded 10-candidate Republican primary. Norman finished second, sending the race to an Aug. 25 runoff.
President Donald Trump endorsed Graham shortly after she entered the race. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Trump said Graham called to thank him after advancing and indicated he may campaign for her during the two-week runoff, while also praising Norman and the other Republican candidates.
Graham has emphasized her support for Trump’s agenda and portrayed her lack of traditional political experience as an asset. Norman, a longtime member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has highlighted his record as a fiscal conservative and his experience in Congress.
The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a Charleston physician, in the November general election. Republicans are heavily favored in South Carolina, where Lindsey Graham won his last Senate election by 10 percentage points.
Graham, a first-time candidate who was appointed to serve the remaining months of her brother’s term following his sudden death on July 11, finished first in Tuesday’s crowded 10-candidate Republican primary. Norman finished second, sending the race to an Aug. 25 runoff.
President Donald Trump endorsed Graham shortly after she entered the race. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Trump said Graham called to thank him after advancing and indicated he may campaign for her during the two-week runoff, while also praising Norman and the other Republican candidates.
Graham has emphasized her support for Trump’s agenda and portrayed her lack of traditional political experience as an asset. Norman, a longtime member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has highlighted his record as a fiscal conservative and his experience in Congress.
The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a Charleston physician, in the November general election. Republicans are heavily favored in South Carolina, where Lindsey Graham won his last Senate election by 10 percentage points.
