Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, emerged victorious in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina on Tuesday, as reported by U.S. media forecasts, marking a significant win for former President Donald Trump.
Graham, who was appointed to temporarily fill the Senate seat until January after her brother passed away on July 11, triumphed over Representative Ralph Norman and is set to compete in the November election for a full six-year term in the Senate.
Trump endorsed her campaign and supported it with substantial financial contributions from his MAGA INC super PAC.
During a rally in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Friday, Trump drew attention to himself, declaring, “I am on the ballot.”
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At 62 years old, Graham will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the upcoming general election, and she is anticipated to win comfortably in this strongly conservative state.
This primary served as one of several measures of Trump’s influence over voters in the current midterm elections, as he aims to leverage his platform to thwart Democrats from gaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate from the Republican Party.
However, his endorsement record this cycle has been inconsistent, with surveys indicating he is still burdened by escalating consumer prices and an unpopular conflict with Iran.
According to a filing with the U.S. Federal Election Commission on Monday, Trump’s MAGA INC. spent $827,711 in support of Graham, a rare instance where the former president provided significant financial backing to his chosen candidate.
Stumbled in earlier debate
Graham utilized Friday’s rally to attempt to recover from what was perceived as a debate blunder when she admitted her lack of knowledge regarding national security matters—issues that were central to her brother’s Senate tenure.
Longtime U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has died unexpectedly at age 71 from a suspected ruptured aorta. Graham was once a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, but eventually became an ardent supporter.
“Guilty as charged,” Graham stated at the rally.
Instead, she directed her speech toward domestic matters, such as Trump’s immigration policies and opposition to abortion.
Prior to her Senate appointment, she had not held any public office and had focused on advocating for individuals with physical disabilities.
South Carolina has consistently supported Trump in all three of his presidential campaigns and is unlikely to influence the struggle for Congressional control.
Norman, 73, a veteran real estate developer, has been part of the U.S. House for nearly ten years. His loss on Tuesday follows an unsuccessful attempt to become governor.