Key facts
- Darline Graham is running for the South Carolina Senate seat vacated by her late brother, Lindsey Graham.
- Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham.
- The primary is expected to be competitive, with a runoff election likely.
- Graham faces challenges consolidating support against other Republican candidates, including Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman.
- The race is seen as a test of Trump's influence in the Republican Party.
A special election primary for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina is testing Donald Trump's influence within the Republican Party. Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, is running with Trump's endorsement but faces a crowded field and the potential for a runoff election.
The race is drawing comparisons to a previous gubernatorial primary where Trump's endorsed candidate ultimately lost. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who experienced this scenario, noted the difficulties of relying solely on an endorsement, especially in low-turnout runoff elections.
Graham is campaigning on domestic issues and leveraging her brother's established campaign infrastructure. However, polls suggest a runoff is likely, with GOP Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman seen as her most probable challengers. Fry is considered a rising star, while Norman represents a strong conservative base.
Both Fry and Norman are vying for the second spot in a potential runoff, with their campaigns primarily targeting each other. Attacks have also been directed at Graham and Fry by outside groups and rival campaigns, highlighting the competitive nature of the state's Republican politics.