Darline Graham Wins GOP Runoff
Darline Graham won South Carolina’s GOP Senate runoff for her late brother’s seat.
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Updated Aug 26, 7:02pm ETBoth sides, every morning
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The reporting
Sen. Darline Graham Nordone won South Carolina’s special Republican Senate runoff Tuesday, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman 52.5% to 47.5% for the nomination to keep the seat held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Graham Nordone was appointed in July by Gov. Henry McMaster after Lindsey Graham’s death and had not previously held elected office. Trump endorsed her, held a Myrtle Beach rally, spent $800,000 on turnout, and later attacked Norman, whose concession crowd booed mentions of Trump. She will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November.
Analysis & opinion
Graham unpreparedMostly Left
Darline Graham looked like a weak and underprepared nominee whose debate performance raised serious doubts about her knowledge and readiness. Her comments on healthcare made those concerns worse by presenting her as callous, incoherent, and politically vulnerable.
Trump vulnerabilityMostly Left
Trump’s role in the South Carolina race exposed real political weakness rather than unquestioned strength. The narrow result and backlash among some Republicans show that his endorsement power is costly, diminished, and increasingly strained.
Trump kingmakerLeft & Center
Trump remains a powerful force in Republican primaries, and his endorsement can still push favored candidates to victory. Darline Graham’s win, along with other runoff results, proves that Trump’s influence with the GOP base is still substantial.
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