- Lindsey Graham died on July 11 from cardiovascular disease.
- On July 13, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to finish her brother's term in the Senate.
- Darline Graham entered the special primary race, with a Quantus Insights poll showing her at 30.4%.
- A total of ten Republicans are on the ballot for the special primary.
- Polls for the special primary opened at 7 a.m. ET and closed at 7 p.m. ET.
- Results from the special primary will be counted slowly after polls close.
- Darline Graham is considered a continuity candidate likely to carry forward her late brother's political platform.
- President Trump's endorsement of Darline Graham could significantly impact her campaign.
- Mark Sanford, Russell Fry, and Ralph Norman are notable candidates in the crowded Republican primary field.
South Carolina Republicans held a special primary election on Tuesday to choose a successor for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11.1
Darline Graham, his sister and appointed interim senator, emerged as a frontrunner with significant backing from former President Donald Trump.2378
Polls indicated Darline Graham leading with 30.4% of the vote, followed by Congressman Ralph Norman at 17.5% and Russell Fry at 16.6%.9
Ten candidates competed in the primary, including former Governor Mark Sanford and businessman Mark Lynch.
Graham's appointment and Trump's endorsement have positioned her as a continuity candidate, aiming to uphold her brother's political legacy.
However, her lack of legislative experience raises concerns among some voters, with critics suggesting she may be vulnerable in the general election against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician advocating for change.
Andrews has criticized Republican leadership and emphasized her commitment to lowering costs and opposing Medicaid cuts.
With over $4.7 million spent on the race, the outcome is expected to influence the November midterms significantly, as Republicans remain favored in the red-leaning state.
Graham's campaign has been bolstered by substantial ad support, with 59% of ads focusing on Trump.
As the race unfolds, the potential for a runoff looms, indicating that the financial stakes will likely rise further before the general election.
“Darline Graham holds 30.4% in a Quantus Insights poll, with Rep. Ralph Norman at 17.5% and Rep. Russell Fry at 16.6%. Over $4.7 million has been spent on the race, with 59% of ads focused on President Trump.”
