Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, emerged victorious in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate in South Carolina on Tuesday, as per U.S. media projections. She took over the Senate seat following her brother’s passing on July 11 and defeated Representative Ralph Norman to advance to the November election for a full six-year Senate term.
President Donald Trump threw his support behind Graham, endorsing her candidacy and providing substantial campaign contributions through his MAGA INC super PAC. During a rally in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Trump emphasized his backing for Graham by asserting, “I am on the ballot.”
The upcoming general election will see Graham, aged 62, competing against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician. With South Carolina being a deeply conservative state, Graham is anticipated to secure a comfortable victory. This primary served as a test of Trump’s influence with voters in the current midterm elections, as he aims to maintain Republican control over the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
Despite Trump’s endorsements, recent polls reveal his popularity being hindered by increasing consumer prices and the contentious conflict with Iran. Notably, Trump’s MAGA INC. allocated $827,711 US to support Graham, as reported in its filing with the U.S. Federal Election Commission on Monday.
Following a perceived misstep in an earlier debate where Graham admitted a lack of expertise in national security matters, she utilized the Friday rally to address this issue. She focused her speech on domestic concerns, such as Trump’s immigration policies and anti-abortion advocacy. Graham’s political experience was limited before her Senate appointment, primarily centered on advocating for individuals with physical disabilities.
South Carolina has consistently supported Trump in his presidential campaigns and is not expected to be a pivotal battleground in the struggle for congressional control. Norman, a 73-year-old real estate developer with a lengthy tenure in the U.S. House, faced defeat in this primary following an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid.
The original article can be found [here](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/darline-graham-wins-south-carolina-primary-runoff-9.7320638).