South Carolina Republican Runoff Election Tests Trump’s Influence

On August 21, 2026, President Donald Trump stood alongside Senator Tim Scott and Senator John Barrasso at a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The rally aimed to support Senate candidate Darline Graham as she faces a runoff against Ralph Norman on Tuesday. This runoff will determine the Republican nominee who will replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham on the November general election ballot.

Senator Lindsey Graham had secured the nomination for his fifth U.S. Senate term before passing away from a heart condition on July 11. Following his death, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, his sister, to serve the rest of his term. On August 11, she won the special election with 33% of the vote, but fell short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff.

A Competitive Primary Tests Trump’s Influence

This race represents one of Trump’s major investments in the midterm primary cycle. He endorsed Darline Graham and participated in a rally for her while his super PAC, MAGA Inc., invested over $827,000 in her campaign. Despite Trump’s support, his influence has not always guaranteed victories in tight Republican primaries, with losses in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, and other states.

Voter Ray Saldi supported Graham, influenced more by her name and record than endorsements. He appreciated her focus on South Carolina above personal politics. Graham has promised to continue her brother’s legacy, leveraging his established campaign infrastructure and reputation.

An Abbreviated GOP Primary Campaign

While Darline Graham received 33% in the special election, Ralph Norman obtained 25%, with U.S. Rep. Russell Fry coming in third. The runoff will be closely contested. Despite Graham’s lack of political experience, she has utilized her brother’s established campaign system.

Darline Graham’s weakness showed during a debate when asked about Taiwan and the South China Sea. Her candid admission of not being well-informed on national security issues drew audience criticism, contrasting her brother’s foreign policy expertise.

Ralph Norman, a five-term Congressman, leverages his political experience as his campaign’s foundation. He previously ran for South Carolina governor, placing third. Norman, while politically aligned with Trump, endorsed Nikki Haley for president in 2024. Haley, in turn, supported Norman’s campaign, contributing over $700,000.

The race shows South Carolinian voters gravitating towards non-establishment candidates. Darline Graham highlighted her outsider status, saying, “I’m not a politician,” during the Myrtle Beach rally, drawing parallels between herself and Trump’s prior political inexperience.

The runoff winner will compete against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in a traditionally safe Republican seat for the November election.

Journalist Luis-Alfredo Garcia from South Carolina Public Radio contributed to this report.