Aug. 25 (UPI) — Republican voters in South Carolina late Tuesday nominated Sen. Darline Graham, a political newcomer and sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, for a full Senate term in November after she defeated Rep. Ralph Norman in a runoff primary.
With all 2,311 precincts reporting, Darline Graham received 52.45% of the vote, compared to Norman’s 47.55%, according to unofficial state results.
“South Carolina, I am deeply honored and humbled to accept your nomination as the Republican candidate for the United States Senate,” Darline Graham, who had President Donald Trump’s endorsement, said in a statement claiming victory.
“From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for your trust, your hard work and your commitment to South Carolina’s future. Now, we turn our focus to November. Together, we will fight for our values, defend South Carolina and keep America strong.”
Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, was awaiting the result to see who she would face in the midterm election on Nov. 3.
After it appeared that Darline Graham would be the nominee, Andrews posted a picture online framing the Senate race as “The sister vs. the doctor.”
“The field is set and I’m ready to bring this election home,” Andrews said.
Norman, who has represented South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District since 2017, has conceded defeat, lamenting Trump’s involvement in the election before supporters late Tuesday.
“I never understood why he got in this race,” he said in his speech. “But it is what it is. And I’ll accept it. And I always said, something good will come out of this. I don’t know what it is but something good will come out of it.”
Darline Graham is in her first foray into public office after being appointed last month following her brother’s sudden death.
Trump held a tele-rally on Monday to make his final appeal to voters to support her.
“I asked her to do it,” Trump said of Darline Graham’s campaign. “I got her into this whole thing.”
Trump lauded Darline Graham for being supportive of his agenda.
“What I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot,” Trump said at a rally in Myrtle Beach on Friday.
Norman self-funded most of his primary campaign, which has focused on his track record as a conservative. He vowed not to run a negative campaign against Darline Graham but has highlighted her lack of experience.
Sen. Lindsey Graham was set to run for re-election in November after winning the Republican primary in June. He was in his fourth term in the Senate.
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