Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, secured victory in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina on Tuesday, as projected by U.S. media, marking a win for former President Donald Trump.
Following her brother’s passing on July 11, Graham was appointed to temporarily fill the Senate seat until January. She triumphed over Representative Ralph Norman and will compete in the November election for a full six-year Senate term.
Trump endorsed her campaign and provided substantial financial support through his MAGA INC super PAC.
During a rally in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Friday, Trump emphasized his own significance in the election, stating, “I am on the ballot.”
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The 62-year-old Graham will face off against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the general election, where she is anticipated to win comfortably in this predominantly conservative state.
This primary serves as one of several indicators of Trump’s influence over voters during this year’s midterm elections, as he aims to leverage his platform to keep Democrats from gaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate from the Republican party.
However, his endorsement record this election cycle has been inconsistent, with polls indicating that he is burdened by escalating consumer prices and an unpopular conflict with Iran.
According to a filing with the U.S. Federal Election Commission on Monday, Trump’s MAGA INC. contributed $827,711 in support of Graham, representing a notable instance of the former president providing financial backing to a candidate he supports.
Stumbled in earlier debate
At the recent rally, Graham sought to move past what was perceived as a debate blunder, where she admitted to lacking knowledge on national security—an area that significantly characterized her brother’s Senate career.
Longtime U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has died unexpectedly at age 71 from a suspected ruptured aorta. Graham was once a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, but eventually became an ardent supporter.
“Guilty as charged,” Graham admitted during her speech at the rally.
Instead, her focus shifted to domestic concerns, such as Trump’s strict immigration policies and anti-abortion stance.
Before her Senate appointment, she had no experience in public office, having previously worked in advocacy for individuals with physical disabilities.
South Carolina has strongly supported Trump in all three of his presidential campaigns and is unlikely to influence the struggle for Congress control.
Norman, 73, a veteran real estate developer, has served nearly a decade in the U.S. House. His defeat on Tuesday follows a failed attempt to win the governorship.