Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) stated Sunday that he is confident Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) will win the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate in South Carolina. Scott defended Graham’s qualifications following a recent debate where she stated she was not fully informed on specific national security issues regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea.
The runoff, scheduled for Tuesday, follows a primary earlier this month where no candidate secured the nomination. Graham, who was appointed to fill the seat following the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), is facing a challenge from Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) to determine who will appear on the November ballot.
During an appearance on NBC’s "Meet the Press," Scott cited Graham’s work on a Russia sanctions bill and her votes for the U.S. Attorney General as evidence of her readiness for the role. President Trump also expressed support for Graham on Friday, stating that she was being honest about her focus on domestic economic issues like grocery prices. Trump rallied with Graham in Myrtle Beach prior to the Tuesday vote.
Voters in South Carolina will notice the immediate result of this contest in the finalization of their November ballots. For the candidates, the results represent the culmination of a high-profile campaign involving endorsements from the state’s senior senator and the former president. The race has also centered on the balance between specialized national security knowledge and a focus on domestic economic concerns, a distinction that could influence how future candidates approach debate preparation and public policy statements.
The contest serves as a test of political endorsements in South Carolina, particularly the influence of Donald Trump and Tim Scott within the state's Republican primary electorate. If Graham wins, it would solidify her position as the incumbent following her appointment; a win for Norman would shift the Republican representation for the state toward a current member of the U.S. House. The winner of the Tuesday runoff will proceed to the general election on November 3, 2026.