12 Candidates Enter Aug. 11 South Carolina Senate Primary for Lindsey Graham Seat
Updated
Updated · New York Magazine · Jul 29
12 Candidates Enter Aug. 11 South Carolina Senate Primary for Lindsey Graham Seat
3 articles · Updated · New York Magazine · Jul 29
Summary
A dozen candidates qualified by the filing deadline for South Carolina’s Aug. 11 special Republican primary to replace Lindsey Graham, setting up a race that is likely headed to an Aug. 25 runoff.
Three prominent Republicans—Pamela Evette, Nancy Mace and Trey Gowdy—passed on the contest, leaving Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry and interim Sen. Darline Graham as the clearest contenders.
Darline Graham enters with Trump’s endorsement, access to her brother’s political network and no electoral record, while Norman runs as a hard-right House Freedom Caucus veteran and Fry pitches close ties to Trump.
An Aug. 3 candidate forum could sharpen attacks in a low-turnout summer race, with lesser-known rivals such as Mark Lynch and Mark Sanford expected to test Graham before the likely runoff.
The winner will be heavily favored in November in a seat that has opened only twice in 70 years, though Democrat Annie Andrews could benefit if Republicans damage each other.