Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Trump Backs Darline Graham in Test of GOP Influence
South Carolina Republicans are choosing between Darline Graham and Ralph Norman for a Senate nomination.
Donald Trump is supporting Graham and appeared at a rally for her.
Graham currently holds the seat after being appointed following her brother Lindsey Graham’s death.
She wants voters to give her a full term.
Norman has served in Congress since 2017 and says his experience makes him the better choice.
Graham faced criticism after saying national security was not her area of expertise during a debate.
Both candidates say they support Trump’s agenda.
The Republican winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
The result will show how much influence Trump has with Republican voters.
Donald Trump appeared at a Myrtle Beach rally to support Darline Graham before South Carolina’s August 25 Republican Senate runoff.
Graham finished first and Ralph Norman second in the August 11 Republican special primary, forcing a runoff.
Graham was appointed to her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat and is seeking a full term.
Norman argues that his congressional, business and conservative legislative record makes him the stronger candidate.
The runoff winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November in a race Republicans are seeking to retain.
- Who
- Donald Trump, Darline Graham, Ralph Norman and South Carolina Republican voters are central to the runoff; Democrat Annie Andrews is the November opponent.
- What
- A Republican runoff will decide the nominee for South Carolina’s United States Senate seat.
- When
- The runoff is scheduled for August 25, after the August 11 primary; the general election will take place in November.
- Where
- South Carolina, including a Trump rally in Myrtle Beach.
- Why
- Republicans are choosing a nominee to defend the Senate seat, while the result will test Trump’s influence over Republican primary voters.
Darline Graham supporters
Ralph Norman supporters
Main campaign advantage
Darline Graham supporters
Graham offers Trump’s endorsement and the Graham family name, and Trump says she is honest and has competent advisers.
Ralph Norman supporters
Norman emphasizes his longer record in elected office, business experience and votes on Trump’s priorities.
Political experience
Darline Graham supporters
Graham says she would support the military and points to her family’s military background, while acknowledging that she is not a polished politician and lacks expertise in national security.
Ralph Norman supporters
Norman presents his congressional record as evidence that voters can evaluate his conservative legislative work.
Trump’s endorsement
Darline Graham supporters
Graham’s campaign treats Trump’s backing and personal rally appearance as important advantages.
Ralph Norman supporters
Norman has questioned Trump’s decision to endorse Graham, calling it a “head scratcher,” while saying he remains supportive of Trump.
- Runoff date
- August 25
- Primary date
- August 11
- Republican candidates
- Darline Graham and Ralph Norman
- Democratic opponent
- Annie Andrews
- Graham’s current status
- She was appointed to the Senate seat formerly held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham.
- Norman’s experience
- He has represented South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District since 2017 and belongs to the House Freedom Caucus.
- Trump’s involvement
- He endorsed Graham, appeared at her Myrtle Beach rally and urged voters to act as if he were on the ballot.