Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, secured victory in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate in South Carolina on Tuesday, as reported by U.S. media projections, marking a win for former President Donald Trump.
Graham, who was appointed to fill the Senate seat until early January following her brother’s passing on July 11, triumphed over Representative Ralph Norman and will compete in November’s election for a full six-year term in the Senate.
Trump endorsed her campaign and significantly supported it with substantial contributions from his MAGA INC super PAC.
During a rally in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Friday, Trump highlighted his influence, stating, “I am on the ballot.”
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At 62 years old, Graham will go up against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the general election and is anticipated to win comfortably in this traditionally conservative state.
This primary was part of a series of assessments regarding Trump’s influence over voters during this year’s midterm elections, as he aims to utilize his platform to stop Democrats from gaining control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate from his Republican party.
However, his track record of endorsements this election cycle has been mixed, with polls indicating that he remains burdened by increasing consumer prices and an unpopular conflict with Iran.
According to its filing with the U.S. Federal Election Commission on Monday, Trump’s MAGA INC. invested $827,711 in support of Graham, a rare instance of the former president providing financial backing to his preferred candidate.
Stumbled in earlier debate
Graham attempted to recover from what was perceived as a debate blunder during a rally on Friday when she admitted to lacking knowledge about national security topics — issues 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 at the rally.
Instead, her speech centered on domestic topics, such as Trump’s immigration policies and anti-abortion stance.
Before her Senate appointment, she had not held any public office, having worked in roles advocating for individuals with physical disabilities.
South Carolina has consistently supported Trump in all three of his presidential campaigns and is unlikely to influence the broader struggle for congressional control.
Norman, 73, a seasoned real estate developer, has served nearly ten years in the U.S. House. His loss on Tuesday follows an unsuccessful attempt to run for governor.