Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman finished as the top two candidates in South Carolina's Aug. 11 special Republican primary and will compete in a runoff. Darline Graham, who was sworn in as an interim senator following the recent death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, led the primary with 32.7% to Norman's 24.7% with about 99% of votes reported. The runoff winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
South Carolina GOP Primary Heads to Runoff Between Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman
Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Lindsey Graham, is ceremonially sworn in as a Senator by Senator Charles Grassley, Republican from Iowa, in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on July 14, 2026.
Darline Graham and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman emerged as the top two finishers in South Carolina's special Republican primary held Aug. 11 and will face each other in a runoff for the party's nomination.
Background: The special election follows the recent death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Darline Graham was sworn in as his interim replacement and is campaigning to win the seat for a full term beginning in 2027. The runoff winner will go on to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Officials and media outlets, including the Associated Press and CNN, reported that roughly 99% of precincts had reported results after the primary. The near-complete tally produced the following totals for the Republican field:
- Darline Graham — 32.7% (advanced to runoff)
- Ralph Norman — 24.7% (advanced to runoff)
- Russell Fry — 19.6%
- Mark Lynch — 14.9%
- Mark Sanford — 5.9%
What Happens Next: With no candidate reaching the majority threshold, Graham and Norman will meet in a runoff to determine the Republican nominee. The victor will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Sources: Associated Press, CNN.
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