South Carolina Republican voters are participating in a Senate runoff election Tuesday between Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC). The contest serves as a trial for President Trump’s foreign policy toward Iran following a snap primary held on Aug. 11. Graham was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster (R) to fill the seat of her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died in July after winning his renomination for a fifth term.
In the first round of the primary, Graham received approximately one-third of the vote, finishing 8 points ahead of Norman. Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC), who received nearly 20 percent of the vote, has since endorsed Graham. Norman has received endorsements from former Gov. Mark Sanford and appliance store owner Mark Lynch, both of whom placed in the top five during the initial primary round.
The campaign has focused on national security after Graham stated during a debate, “I’m not that informed on national security.” President Trump defended Graham’s comments, stating she would follow the lead of the military and the president. Meanwhile, Norman has drawn support from those who favor a more traditional foreign policy or who have expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration's handling of Iran.
For the individual voter, the results will dictate whether their representation in Washington aligns with President Trump’s direct oversight of national security or a more independent legislative approach. In the first round, "MAGA" candidates Graham and Fry combined for 52 percent of the vote, while Norman, Sanford, and Lynch combined for 46 percent. This suggests a narrow margin of approximately 4 percentage points that could be decided by how many of the state's nearly 3.4 million registered voters participate in the runoff.
The winner of this race will face Annie Andrews in the general election, which will determine who serves a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate. This seat is one of two representing the Palmetto State, directly influencing federal spending, judicial appointments, and foreign policy decisions. The runoff results are expected to be reported following the close of polls on Tuesday, with the general election scheduled for November.
What happens next: Voters in South Carolina are casting ballots throughout Tuesday. The winner will proceed to the general election in November to compete for the full six-year term. If Graham wins, she will continue her current service until the new term begins; if Norman wins, he will transition from his House seat to the general election campaign.