Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, emerged victorious in the South Carolina Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, as per U.S. media projections, marking a significant win for U.S. President Donald Trump. Following her brother’s passing on July 11, Graham, who was appointed to temporarily hold the Senate seat until the start of January, defeated Representative Ralph Norman. She is now set to compete in the November election for a full six-year Senate term. President Trump endorsed her candidacy and provided substantial campaign support through contributions from his MAGA INC super PAC.
During a rally in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Friday, Trump emphasized his support for Graham, boldly stating, “I am on the ballot.” The 62-year-old Graham will go head-to-head with Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the upcoming general election, where she is anticipated to secure a comfortable victory in the predominantly conservative state.
This primary election serves as one of many tests of Trump’s influence with voters in the current midterm elections as he endeavors to maintain Republican control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Despite Trump’s backing, recent polls indicate that he is grappling with challenges such as surging consumer prices and public disapproval of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump’s MAGA INC. allocated $827,711 US to support Graham, as disclosed in its filing with the U.S. Federal Election Commission on Monday, demonstrating a rare instance of the president offering financial backing to his favored candidate. Graham utilized the Friday rally to address a previous debate misstep where she acknowledged a lack of expertise in national security matters, an area that was pivotal in her brother’s Senate career.
In a bid to rectify this misstep, Graham redirected her focus towards domestic concerns during the rally, highlighting issues like Trump’s immigration policies and anti-abortion advocacy. Prior to her Senate appointment, Graham had no prior experience in public office, having previously worked in roles advocating for individuals with physical disabilities.
South Carolina has consistently supported Trump in his presidential campaigns and is unlikely to significantly influence the battle for congressional control. Norman, a 73-year-old real estate developer who spent nearly a decade in the U.S. House, faced defeat on Tuesday following an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid.
This victory positions Graham as a formidable candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in the forthcoming election, supported by Trump’s backing and a strong Republican base in South Carolina.