Sen. Darline Graham wins SCGOP Senate nomination in runoff over Norman

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) — The Associated Press called the race in Sen. Darline Graham’s favor with more than 50% of the vote over Congressman Ralph Norman.

Graham received 193,396 total votes or 52.5% and Norman received 175,327 total votes or 47.5%.

Click here to see the full results.

The special election was triggered by the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham in July, leaving state and local election officials with a short timeline to organize the race to fill his Republican slot in the November election.

The unusual election schedule has created an especially busy stretch for voters in Charleston County. Election officials say the county is experiencing the highest number of elections within a two-month span in its history.

Graham’s reaction

Graham, who has served as interim senator for just over a month following the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham, becomes the party’s official nominee tonight. She carried President Trump’s endorsement throughout her campaign and the runoff.

Graham said she is not running as a career politician. She focused her campaign on issues including the affordability crisis and lowering health care costs, saying she understands those issues firsthand.

She renewed her promise to carry on her brother’s legacy in the Senate. Graham said she misses Lindsey Graham but believes he would be proud tonight. Graham said the night carried mixed emotions, calling it bittersweet without her brother by her side. She said she will work to earn every voter’s trust ahead of the November election.

The South Carolina Republican Party congratulated Graham in a statement: “Now it’s time for Republicans to come together, unite and work to expose the Democrats’ candidate for the radical liberal that she truly is.”

Democratic winner Dr. Annie Andrews issued her own statement on X: “The field is set and I’m ready to bring this election home.”

Norman’s loss

Norman received about 15,000 fewer votes than Graham.

Norman addressed supporters in Rock Hill after his loss. He came to the stage without a concession speech prepared.

Norman thanked his staff and family for their work on the campaign. Norman also ran for governor this year, spending millions of dollars of his own money and appearing on the ballot three times in one year.

Norman said he did everything in his power to try to win. At one point, he came close to criticizing President Trump but held himself back; supporters in the crowd booed.

Norman summarized the night by saying, “I don’t like it, but I accept it.”

Graham will now look to face Democratic winner Andrews in the general election on Nov. 3.