Trump Endorsement Secures Darline Graham Victory in South Carolina Runoff

The Runoff Result

Darline Graham won the South Carolina Senate primary runoff. She defeated five-term congressman Ralph Norman by 5 percentage points. The final tally showed Graham with 52.5 percent of the vote against Norman’s 47.5 percent.

She will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Prior to the year 2000, the last time a Democrat won a Senate seat in South Carolina was. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham’s seat after his death in July. She now stands one election away from keeping that seat for herself.

Trump’s Role in the Win

Graham credited the President directly for her win. “I want to thank President Trump for all of his support and his endorsement,” she said after the results came in, according to the Federalist. She added that her brother truly loved the President and considered him a close friend. “Our victory would not have been possible without you and we are truly grateful,” the nominee told him.

The Trump campaign made a last-minute push to help her win. They spent nearly $828,000 on her campaign in the final days. During his concession speech, Norman informed supporters he could not comprehend Trump’s involvement in the race.

Concerns About Her Experience

Critics worried Graham was too weak for the job. Just days before the runoff, she admitted she lacked knowledge on foreign policy. “I’m just going to be honest here … I’m not that informed on national security, so,” she said during a debate, according to the Washington Examiner. She further remarked that national security is not her thing or area of expertise, yet she supports the military.

Conservative activist Tyler Bowyer noted that the open primary system helped her cause. On X, he posted about a system that benefits moderate Republicans with Dem votes. Some voters questioned her level of experience after her debate performance.

Jim Antle, executive editor of the Washington Examiner, said the race showed a complex dynamic. He noted that while Trump’s endorsement is important, it is not always decisive. He suggested the President might have backed her to honor her late brother rather than pick the strongest candidate. Antle said Trump wants people who are cooperative and supportive of his agenda.

Despite the concerns, the result is final. Graham faces a Democrat in a state that leans heavily Republican.