Lindsey Graham news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Darline Graham won South Carolina's GOP Senate runoff, defeating Ralph Norman 52% to 48%. Her victory, backed by Trump, sets up a November face-off with Democrat Annie Andrews.
Background
Lindsey Graham, who had served as a U.S. senator for over two decades, died suddenly in July from a heart issue. His sister Darline was appointed to finish his term and then entered the race for a full term, with Trump's endorsement and active campaigning. The runoff was necessary because no candidate won a majority in the August 11 primary.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026Lindsey Graham won the Republican primary for his fifth term.
- Jul 11, 2026Lindsey Graham died suddenly from a heart issue; Darline Graham was later appointed to serve out his term.
- Aug 11, 2026A special primary was held; Darline Graham and Ralph Norman emerged as the top two candidates, leading to a runoff.
- Aug 25, 2026Darline Graham defeated Ralph Norman in the runoff, with about 52% to 48% of the vote.
- Nov 2026Darline Graham will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Darline Graham credited Trump's support, saying 'South Carolina is truly Trump Country.'
- Caution
- Political scientist Danielle Vinson noted that Graham lacks general election campaign experience and hasn't faced serious scrutiny.
- Official
- Ralph Norman accepted the results and planned to call Graham, though he lamented Trump's involvement.
Still unverified
The preliminary cause of Lindsey Graham's death was a tear in the aorta due to hardening of the arteries, but this is preliminary and not fully confirmed.