Bolstered by President Donald Trump’s endorsement, South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham advanced Tuesday to a runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman in the Republican special primary election to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham, on the November ballot.
With more than 95 percent of votes counted, Graham led a 10-candidate field with 33 percent of the vote, followed by Norman with 24 percent, Rep. Russell Fry at 20 percent and former Gov. Mark Sanford at 15 percent, The Associated Press reported.
The candidates faced a weekslong sprint to the primary following Lindsey Graham’s death from a torn aorta on July 11. Now, Darline Graham and Norman face another two-week dash to the Aug. 25 runoff.
Trump told reporters Tuesday evening that he plans to campaign for Graham, whom South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed to the seat just three days after her late brother’s death.
“It’s great that she’s doing so well, and she’s a very good woman,” the president said “She’s got good genetics. … She’s a real professional.”
