South Carolina voters head to the polls on Tuesday, August 11, for a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11 from an aortic dissection. Interim Sen. Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister, holds a double-digit lead in recent polling, with 30.4% support in a Quantus Insights survey conducted August 5–6. Rep. Ralph Norman follows at 17.5%, Rep. Russell Fry at 16.6%, and former Gov. Mark Sanford at 15.4%, with 11.7% undecided.
The special primary will determine the GOP nominee to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election. Polling suggests the race may extend to a runoff on August 25, as no candidate is projected to secure a majority. Early voting concluded on August 9.
Key candidates and their platforms
Darline Graham, who was appointed to fill the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s term, has emphasized her experience leading the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, a state agency with a $90 million budget. She has framed herself as a non-politician with a “servant’s heart,” aligning closely with President Donald Trump’s agenda. Graham has highlighted issues such as voter ID laws, opposition to transgender athletes in female sports, and support for Israel. Her campaign has received NRSC funding and Trump’s endorsement.
Rep. Ralph Norman, representing South Carolina’s 5th District, has positioned himself as a staunch conservative, focusing on limited government, Second Amendment rights, and opposition to socialism. Norman has criticized Graham’s lack of electoral experience, arguing that voters prefer a candidate with a proven conservative record.
Rep. Russell Fry, representing the 7th District, has campaigned on economic deregulation, energy independence, and opposition to the Green New Deal. Fry has also emphasized law and order, citing his support for police funding and border security. His rhetoric aligns closely with Trump’s America First policies.
Former Gov. Mark Sanford, a longshot candidate, has sought to differentiate himself by emphasizing fiscal conservatism and political independence. Sanford, who previously clashed with Trump while in Congress, has criticized the field’s alignment with the former president, arguing that South Carolina voters deserve a thoughtful alternative.
Policy contrasts and voter sentiment
The race has revealed divergent priorities among Republican voters. While foreign policy and military intervention were central to Lindsey Graham’s legacy, current candidates have minimized these issues. Polling and campaign statements suggest voters prioritize economic concerns, cultural issues, and local representation over global affairs. Some South Carolinians, such as Kathy Bustos of Mount Pleasant, have expressed support for Graham’s personal qualities but questioned her readiness for the Senate, noting her relative obscurity in state politics.
Campaign dynamics and endorsements
Graham’s campaign has leaned heavily on Trump’s endorsement, which has drawn criticism from opponents like Sanford, who argue that South Carolina should not defer to national political figures. Norman and Fry, both House Republicans, have framed their candidacies as extensions of their legislative records, while Graham has positioned herself as an outsider with executive experience.
What’s next
The winner of the August 11 primary will advance to the November 5 general election against Democrat Annie Andrews, a state representative and former physician. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will occur on August 25. Polling indicates the race remains highly competitive, with undecided voters poised to play a decisive role.