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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Here's who is running to replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate

He entered the special primary, discussed the SAVE America Act, and said he would remain in the race despite Trump’s endorsement of Nordone.

Here's who is running to replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate
Image · Washington Examiner

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Outlet credibilityWashington Examiner69/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 2, 2026
tl;dr

South Carolina Republicans will hold an Aug. 11 special primary to choose a nominee for the Senate seat formerly held by Lindsey Graham. Darline Graham Nordone, Russell Fry and Ralph Norman are among those running, with other candidates also entering the race.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Ralph Norman R · SC-5
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Norman in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Norman’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

Representative and Republican candidate for the Senate seat

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Senator and Republican candidate for a full term

Graham's version of this story ↗
Russell Fry
R · SC-7

Representative and Republican candidate for the Senate seat

Fry's version of this story ↗
Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

Former senator whose seat is being filled

Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

Representative who ruled out a Senate bid

Mark Lynch
R · SC

Businessman and Republican Senate candidate

Republican Senate candidate

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Darline Graham Nordone

Jim Clyburn
D · SC-6

Representative previously challenged by Duke Buckner

Democratic candidate for the Senate seat

ALSO MENTIONED  Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general and Republican gubernatorial primary candidate; Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor who appointed Darline Graham Nordone; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor and Republican gubernatorial primary candidate

Part of a bigger story

34 OUTLETS
Ralph Norman Enters South Carolina Senate Primary

Outlets agree that Ralph Norman announced he would run for the South Carolina Senate seat left vacant by Lindsey Graham’s death. Left-leaning outlets frame Norman’s entry alongside other Republicans’ as resistance to Trump’s endorsement and influence. Center outlets mostly place the announcement in the succession race, with policy pledges and competing endorsements as added context. Right-leaning outlets foreground the contrast between Norman’s bid and Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham, while highlighting Norman’s commitment to Trump’s agenda.

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