South Carolina Voters Head to Runoff in Special Republican Senate Race

South Carolina Republican voters head to the polls Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to decide the party's Senate nominee in a special primary runoff between U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman and interim U.S.

Sen. Darline Graham.

The election follows the sudden death of veteran U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on July 11, 2026, from an aortic tear. His sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to fill the seat temporarily and later entered the special primary for a full six-year term.

In the initial 10-candidate primary on August 11, Darline Graham finished first with roughly 33 percent of the vote, while Norman placed second with 25 percent. Because neither candidate secured a majority, state law triggered Tuesday's runoff to select the nominee who will face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in November.

Campaigning in North Charleston on Saturday, Norman pointed to his legislative tenure while raising concerns about entitlements and illegal immigration.

"You need somebody that’s a true conservative, you need somebody that’s got a record," said U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Addressing the runoff debate held last week, Norman challenged voters to compare both candidates' backgrounds.

"I would urge everybody to watch the debate and you will see how she is a propped up candidate that is just being propped up by others," said U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

He also raised concerns regarding his opponent's campaign donors.

"She has no record and she’s an unknown," said U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Norman reiterated that his political support is rooted locally.

"My money comes from people in South Carolina who I will represent," said U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

He also issued a warning regarding the long-term solvency of federal entitlement programs.

"Social Security is going bankrupt within this six year term," said U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

On border security, Norman advocated for strict enforcement actions.

"Get the illegals out of the country, pure and simple," said U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Norman additionally dismissed accusations made during the debate regarding federal funding relief.

"I have not taken COVID funds," said U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

During their televised debate at the Newberry Opera House, candidates clashed on foreign affairs, where Graham faced questions on Asian security dynamics.

"National security is not my thing," said U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

She expanded on her position regarding global conflicts.

"I’m not that informed on national security," said U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Norman argued that foreign policy knowledge is essential for the position.

"By her choice, she’s running for the United States Senate. It’s a six-year term," said U.S. Rep.

Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

He emphasized that a senator must handle national security issues immediately upon taking office.

"You need to get fully versed in what issues you’re going to be dealing with. This isn’t a get training on the job, you can’t do that," said U.S. Rep.

Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Responding to critics in a subsequent interview, Graham defended her candid posture during the event.

"I tripped up on one question last night regarding Taiwan, but you know, I’ve said many times, I’m not a politician, certainly not a career politician. I don’t speak politician," said U.S. Sen.

Darline Graham, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

She maintained that voters preferred unvarnished answers over political rhetoric.

"You know, I was just honest, and I think that’s kind of a foreign concept," said U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Norman voiced surprise over President Donald Trump endorsing Graham after she received backing at an August 21 rally in Myrtle Beach.

"If you read the mood of the public across the country, it’s, “we want gas prices down.” They don’t understand what’s left," said U.S. Rep.

Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Norman discussed administrative policy in the Middle East and public expectations regarding fuel costs.

"(Trump) did a great job of taking out the nuclear threat that we had for 40 years. … but there’s still a lot of work to be done. The American people do not understand the Strait of Hormuz not being completely controlled by America. That’s what I hear.

And gas prices, as a result, are staying high. And I think one of the worst things the president wants is the public to turn on him because he’s not ending it," said U.S. Rep.

Ralph Norman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Polling places across South Carolina close at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, with approximately 3.4 million registered voters eligible to participate provided they did not vote in the June Democratic primary.