Graham, Norman advance to runoff in SC Senate Special primary

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have secured spots in the runoff for South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat following Tuesday’s special primary election. Graham led the polls throughout the night. Norman finished second, edging out Rep. Russell Fry in a tight race.

Click here to view the full election results.

The following candidates who participated in this year’s Special Republican Senate primary are listed in alphabetical order:

• Duke Buckner - 1,580 votes, 0.5%
• Danny Ford II - 2,844 votes, 0.8%
• Rep. Russell Fry - 65,732 votes, 19.6%
• Sen. Darline Graham-Nordone - 109,582 votes, 32.7%
• Mark Lynch - 19,857 votes, 5.9%
• Mark McBride - 801 votes, 0.2%
• Rep. Ralph Norman - 82,523 votes, 24.6%
• Glenda Gail Parker - 1,021 votes, 0.3%
• Mark Sanford - 50,001 votes, 14.9%
• Sam Shepherd - 929 votes, 0.3%

Graham vows to carry on her brother’s legacy

Graham was sworn in as South Carolina’s interim senator less than a month ago, following the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. She said Tuesday night was emotional but that she is ready to move forward.

Graham said she has not had time to process the loss of her brother but believes he would be proud. She said she never imagined her nearly 30 years of public service would lead her to the United States Senate.

Her stated priorities include addressing the affordability crisis, lowering health care costs, stopping illegal immigration, protecting the Second Amendment, and passing the Save America Act. She also said boys have no place in women’s sports.

Graham holds the full endorsement of President Donald Trump and said backing his agenda will be central to her campaign.

“I will spend the next two weeks of this runoff meeting with voters and, unlike some politicians, listening to their concerns,” Graham said. “This seat belongs to the people of South Carolina, and I will work hard to earn your vote. This runoff will be a sprint and a team effort, and I certainly can’t do this alone.”

Norman credits faith, family and freedom

Norman said he ran his campaign on three words: faith, family, and freedom. He said he always trusted South Carolina voters to make the right call.

Norman pointed to his record and experience, saying his conservatism is needed now more than ever. He said he believes it is time for people to come together to stop socialism and Democrats from taking over the country.

Norman’s strength in the Upstate and along the North Carolina border pushed him into the runoff. Two months ago, Norman faced a crowded Republican primary in which the votes did not fall his way.

When asked about not receiving the Trump endorsement, Norman said he wanted it but that it is fine because it is South Carolina choosing the next senator.

Norman said he is open to debating Graham and believes debates are part of the process, though whether that will happen remains unclear.

“I see an electricity in this race, I see people wanting to get involved, and I think it couldn’t come at a better time,” Norman said. “We are at a tipping point in America and I want to make sure it tips the right way.”

Norman and Graham will face off in the Republican primary on Aug. 25. The winner of the runoff will then face Dr. Annie Andrews in the Nov. 3 US Senate election.

Sanford concedes, pledges to fight national debt through nonprofit

Former Gov. and six-term Congressman Mark Sanford will not advance to the runoff. Sanford was the only major candidate in the race who did not align with the MAGA movement. He lost his U.S. House seat in 2018 in a primary after angering President Trump, who backed his opponent.

Sanford attempted to make the $40 trillion national debt the central issue of his campaign and addressed it again in his concession speech.

“We are on an unsustainable course and no civilization across the pages of history has been able to outrun math,” Sanford said. “Though I will not be able to tackle it as a U.S. senator, I will work for everything that I’m worth through this nonprofit we’re going to start, trying to focus on bringing focus and attention to what I think is a threat to everyone of our lives, to a threat to affordability, a threat to the American way of life and ultimately American civilization. One chapter closes, another one opens.”

Sanford said he probably will not be making an endorsement in the runoff.

Lynch backs Norman, says political career continues

Businessman Mark Lynch did not advance to the runoff but announced he is backing Norman. Lynch has not formally conceded but acknowledged the race will head to a runoff between Graham and Norman.

Lynch said he wants to see someone in the Senate seat who shares his conservative and biblical values. He said he does not believe Graham should have been allowed to run in the special election.

“I’m pulling for Ralph Norman. He’s the true conservative that we need to drain the swamp in DC,” Lynch said.

When asked whether he would support Graham if she became the nominee, Lynch said: “I guess we’ll have to if that’s the only choice we have against the Democrats, so that would be the only way.”

Lynch said his political career does not end with this race and that he plans to continue fighting on issues at the state and national level.