The South Carolina Republican Senate primary race is heading to a runoff. CBS News reports that Senator Darline Graham and Representative Ralph Norman will advance to the next round of voting after failing to secure a majority in Tuesday's special primary election. The runoff is scheduled for August 25.
This contest follows the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham last month. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to fill the remainder of her late brother's term. Although she received an endorsement from Donald Trump, she faced a crowded field of ten candidates in the primary, including fellow Republican lawmakers and former state officials.
Under South Carolina law, a runoff occurs if no candidate reaches 50 percent of the total vote. Darline Graham, who previously led the state commission for the blind, has worked to balance her transition into the Senate with a condensed campaign timeline. Her primary focus during this short period has involved managing her new legislative responsibilities alongside her candidacy for a full six-year term.
Her opponents have pointed to her limited experience in elected office during the campaign. While Graham has supported specific legislative items like the recent Russia sanctions bill, she has expressed interest in prioritizing domestic policy issues. This approach contrasts with the record of her brother, who held the seat for four terms.
The winner of the August 25 runoff will move on to the November general election to face Democrat Annie Andrews. South Carolina remains a primary stronghold for the Republican party, as evidenced by previous election margins in the state. The results of the upcoming runoff will finalize the ballot for the November contest.