Appointed South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham has secured a spot in a runoff for the special Republican Senate primary as she campaigns to win a full term in office, according to projections from CNN’s Decision Desk on Tuesday evening.
Shortly after taking office to fill out the unexpired term of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, she received an official endorsement from President Donald Trump. In his backing, Trump described her as a “spectacular person, and a true American Patriot" and asserted “that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother."
Because Graham had never held an elected post prior to her Senate appointment, her announcement that she would campaign for a full six-year term caught some political observers off guard.
Professionally, she has served as a commissioner with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and possesses an extensive background advocating for individuals with disabilities.
While Graham's political platform mirrors many of her late brother's positions, she made a clear break from his record during a debate in early August by supporting the elimination of the Senate filibuster.
With no contender projected to secure an outright majority in Tuesday's primary vote, the top two candidates will square off in a deciding runoff scheduled for August 25. The victorious Republican will advance to face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the general election.