Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP nomination to replace her late brother in U.S. Senate
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-26 10:40:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump’s Endorsement Proves Decisive in South Carolina Senate GOP Runoff
President Donald Trump’s influence was on full display in South Carolina as U.S. Sen. Darline Graham secured the Republican nomination to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham, on the general election ballot. Trump’s backing of Graham, a political newcomer, was a central factor in her victory over U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman in Tuesday’s special Republican primary runoff.
Trump’s Public Support and Strategy
Trump’s involvement in the race was both vocal and strategic. He quickly endorsed Darline Graham after her appointment to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term and encouraged her to run for a full term. Trump campaigned for her in the state, telling a crowd in Myrtle Beach, “I want it to happen. Good luck, Darline.” He described her selection as “a fabulous tribute” to Lindsey Graham and urged her to enter the race before she had officially declared her candidacy.
Trump’s support was not just rhetorical. MAGA Inc., the super PAC aligned with Trump, spent nearly $830,000 on voter outreach in support of Graham, signaling the importance he placed on her victory.
Graham Aligns with Trump’s Agenda
Throughout her campaign, Darline Graham emphasized her intent to support Trump’s policy positions. She highlighted her co-sponsorship of a voting bill that has become a key priority for Trump, making it clear to voters that she would be an ally for the president’s agenda in the Senate.
Voters Respond to Trump’s Endorsement
For many voters, Trump’s endorsement was decisive. One supporter, Robert Tropiano, stated, “Trump wants her, he’s doing a great job and I believe we should give him what he wants.” This sentiment underscores the continued sway Trump holds over Republican primary voters in South Carolina.
Norman Criticizes Trump’s Involvement
Ralph Norman, Graham’s opponent, expressed frustration with Trump’s decision to back Graham, saying, “I never understood why he got in this race. It is what it is and we accept it.” Norman also criticized the influx of outside PAC money supporting Graham, much of it tied to Trump’s network.
Conclusion
Trump’s active role in the South Carolina Senate primary demonstrates his ongoing influence over Republican politics. By endorsing and campaigning for Darline Graham, he helped propel a political novice to victory over more experienced rivals. As the general election approaches, Graham’s close alignment with Trump’s agenda will remain a defining feature of her candidacy, further cementing the former president’s imprint on the GOP.