NewzUS media outlets project that Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham, will advance to the August runoff for the Republican US Senate nomination in South Carolina. WASHINGTON (AP) — Ralph Norman advances to Republican special primary runoff election for U.S. It remains unclear who she will face on 25 August.Graham held a narrow lead in the polls going into the abbreviated special primary on Tuesday, which predicted a close contest for second place.
Congressman Russell Fry, Congressman Ralph Norman and former governor Mark Sanford polled within a point of each other in the most recent survey from the Trafalgar Group. Graham has loudly trumpeted her endorsement from Donald Trump, but also enjoys the support of South Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, and John Thune, the Senate majority leader. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) advanced Tuesday to a runoff in South Carolina's crowded Republican Senate primary, per the AP, extending the fight to succeed the late Sen.
Lindsey Graham.Why it matters: The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly determine South Carolina's next senator. Darline Graham's abbreviated campaign has relied on the immediate advantages of incumbency, President Trump's support and one of the most recognizable names in South Carolina politics.Norman, 73, has argued that Republican voters should judge candidates by their records, presenting himself as a proven conservative rather than a first-time candidate elevated by a famous name.The eventual Republican nominee will be heavily favored against Democrat Annie Andrews in November in one of the nation's most reliably Republican states.
Senate election there since 1998.Driving the news: No candidate won the majority required to secure the Republican nomination outright, according to AP. The big picture: The result narrows a sprawling nine-candidate contest to a head-to-head fight among the race's three dominant forces.Graham, 62, has cast herself as a political outsider who can continue her brother's constituent-focused work while serving as a reliable vote for Trump's agenda. She never held public office prior to her current role.She entered the race on July 20, days after Gov.
Henry McMaster (R) appointed her to serve temporarily in the seat held by her late brother.She announced her campaign during an interview with TV host Sean Hannity after Trump publicly encouraged her to run.As votes were counted Tuesday, Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) were neck-and-neck for the No. 2 spot — with Norman ultimately prevailing.Norman is a hard-line conservative and vice chair of the House Freedom Caucus.In June, Norman placed third in South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial primary, behind Lt.
Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson, the state's attorney general.He endorsed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in the 2024 election and has described her as a friend.He has said he told Trump about the endorsement prior to offering it, but the decision could have cost him Trump's backing in both his recent bids, The New York Times reported.The intrigue: The runoff will offer a revealing test of Trump's influence over a Repub… WASHINGTON (AP) — Darline Graham advances to Republican special primary runoff election for U.S.
Summary from source