South Carolina GOP Senate Primary Features Ralph Norman Amidst Trump's Waning Influence
The South Carolina GOP Senate primary is set to take place on August 11, 2026, with a crowded field of candidates vying for the seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Among the candidates are Representative Ralph Norman, Representative Russell Fry, and former Governor Mark Sanford. The primary will be followed by a top-two runoff election on August 25 if no candidate secures a majority. President Trump's influence appears to be diminishing in the state, as his endorsed candidate, Darline Graham, is struggling to gain traction. Despite Trump's backing, Graham, who has a background in advocacy for the blind and disabled, is largely unknown in local political circles and is not expected to make it to the runoff.