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Posted on 08/12/2026 11:17:35 AM PDT by SharpRightTurn
South Carolina Republicans will return to the polls on August 25 for a runoff that will determine the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Rep. Ralph Norman and Sen. Darline Graham Nordone emerged from a crowded Republican field on Tuesday, with Graham Nordone finishing first and Norman advancing in second place. Graham Nordone received roughly 33 percent of the vote, while Norman finished with approximately 24 percent.
The result sets up a two-candidate showdown and gives South Carolina Republicans another opportunity to decide who should represent the Palmetto State in the Senate.
For Norman, the runoff represents an opportunity to send a proven conservative fighter with years of experience representing South Carolina to Washington.
Norman has represented South Carolina in Congress after previously serving in the state legislature. His Senate campaign has centered on continuing his conservative record in the upper chamber and advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“I’ve spent years fighting for the Palmetto State in the state house, in Congress, and now I want to get the SAVE America Act passed in the Senate!” Norman said when launching his Senate campaign.
The congressman also entered the race with backing from prominent conservatives, including Sen. Rick Scott of Florida and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. Scott described Norman as a “conservative fighter,” while Lee called him a “strong fiscal conservative.”
Norman also received support from other prominent South Carolina Republicans, including Rep. Nancy Mace and former Gov. Mark Sanford, as the race developed.
The runoff comes after Norman’s campaign faced a significant spending disadvantage in the primary. Outside groups spent more than $1.2 million supporting Graham Nordone, while spending from groups backing Norman was considerably smaller.
Graham Nordone benefited from President Donald Trump’s endorsement and the advantage of carrying the Graham name into a race to replace her late brother. Trump urged her to seek the full Senate term after Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to temporarily fill the vacancy.
But the August 25 runoff will now give Republican voters a direct choice between the two finalists.
The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
For South Carolina Republicans, the runoff is more than simply a contest to fill a Senate vacancy. It is an opportunity to determine whether the Palmetto State will send a veteran conservative with a record in the state legislature and Congress to Washington.
Norman has made clear that he intends to use the Senate seat to continue fighting for South Carolina and advance the conservative priorities he has championed in the House.
The runoff is set for August 25.
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I voted Norman in the primary and stays with him. The Democrat challenger Annie Andrews has her ads and signs everywhere because she can start her campaigning — I see her signs but zero Nordone or Norman signs here.
That 2/3rds of the primary electorate didn't select her in the first round is remarkable.
So some recounts and then runoffs and then lawsuits and demands for looking into vote count fraud.
Sad I heard one can’t afford around a million dollars cost to pay for a recount of a near tie. “How much justice can you afford?” like the old cartoon of a man speaking to his lawyer about being innocent.
Californians must have wondered in awe about reports a few hours after polls closed instead of “still undecided; thousands of votes not counted; weeks to go say officials” of California elections.
“That 2/3rds of the primary electorate didn’t select her in the first round is remarkable.” You’re right.
“I voted Norman in the primary and stays with him.” Good going!
I have three questions.
Is SC an open primary state?
If so how does that affect the runoff? Can Dims that voted for the Dim candidate vote again in the runoff?
There will be a televised debate between the 2 a week before the election. Something tells me her lack of experience will be exposed. If she wins the primary her inexperience could put the seat in jeopardy as her opponent has the running experience and is a looker-those things count. I’d hate to think the voters would have to carry her over the finish line.
“Is SC an open primary state?”
I am not a South Carolinian, but my understanding is that, yes, SC’s primaries are open.
“If so how does that affect the runoff? Can Dims that voted for the Dim candidate vote again in the runoff?”
I’m not sure about either one of those scenarios.
Time for Ralph to take a long vacation, Darline knows the system.
I will go with Darline.
Trump butt out .
No one asked you .
No more disaster picks .
Just look at poor Ohio’s lost Governor race.
I’m glad our TN primaries are win by a plurality.
No run offs.
But we are an open primary state since they don’t ask party affiliation.
I wouldn’t describe her as a “looker”, but her photo radiates AWFUL.
👍
Has it been lost?
It wasn’t that long ago that we were referring to the late Senator as Lindsay Grahamnesty.
Not fair that she comes in and gets the job just because she’s his relative. Hoping people are smarter and will go with Ralph Norman.
Plus, Trump doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to female nominees.
32.4 % to 24.6%, which tells me that the voters remain uncertain who they want, bvut at this point favor Lindsey's sister.
I must remark how much Ralph Norman looks like Lindsey Graham
“It wasn’t that long ago that we were referring to the late Senator as Lindsay Grahamnesty.
“Not fair that she comes in and gets the job just because she’s his relative. Hoping people are smarter and will go with Ralph Norman.
“Plus, Trump doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to female nominees.”
I agree on all three points.
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