Darline Graham Wins SC GOP Senate Primary
Darline Graham won the Republican primary for South Carolina's U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman.
Darline Graham won the Republican primary on Tuesday. She is expected to win a full term to her late brother Lindsey Graham's U.S. Senate seat in the November election. According to Tuesday night tallies, she beat opponent Rep. Ralph Norman 53% to 46%. President Donald Trump endorsed her days before the primary runoff.
Her victory represents a curious display of hereditary power in modern politics. Graham has confessed to a lack of foreign policy knowledge. She has indicated she will follow her brother's career-long support for a militarized U.S. foreign policy. A report from Responsible Statecraft argues this makes her unlikely to criticize Trump's war in the Middle East.
Debate Gaffe and Foreign Policy
During a debate last Thursday, Graham was asked if Taiwan and the South China Sea were national security issues for the United States. "I'm just going to be honest here. I'm ... not that informed on national security," Graham replied. "But I do support the military." Many thought this gaffe would sink her campaign. It did not.
Her opponent, Ralph Norman, campaigned on "peace through strength" and "no more forever wars" sloganeering. In the same debate, he commented on the Iran War, stating Trump "is going to have to tell the American people what it's going to take if the Straits of Hormuz are still dominated by a country that's supposed to be decimated." Despite voting more with Trump's agenda than any other South Carolina Republican, Norman could not compete with the idea that Lindsey Graham's sister deserved the president's endorsement more.
Financial and Institutional Backing
Graham's candidacy received substantial financial and institutional support. According to a report in The State newspaper on August 19, her campaign was bolstered by at least three political action committees, coordination with a national Republican Party group, and donations from "large business executives." Norman relied more on self-funding.
Key financial backers for Graham included a PAC raising funds for aerospace manufacturer Boeing, the CEO of Blackstone, the head of public policy for TikTok, and an executive from defense contractor Palantir. Federal Election Commission records show significant spending by groups supporting her.
| Supporting Entity | Activity for Graham |
|---|---|
| Super PAC "Security is Strength" | Pledged $900,000 in July |
| Palmetto Action | Spent $1.26 million targeting Norman |
The "Security is Strength" PAC is a Columbia-based group described as a "neocon PAC." It was created in 2015 to support Lindsey Graham's 2016 presidential primary run. A key purpose was to counter the momentum of restraint advocate Sen. Rand Paul. Lindsey Graham stated a decade ago, "If I were a defense contractor, I'd be big time for Lindsey Graham, because I've been forward-leaning on rebuilding our military."
Will Folks of FITS News wrote in July that "the same warmongers who subsidized Graham are now subsidizing his sister." He argued they are fully aware of her unwavering allegiance to Trump's escalating war in Iran.
Media and Establishment Support
Fox News host Sean Hannity promptly hosted Darline Graham on his show the night after her debate gaffe. "I bet based on all your time with your brother, that you know probably everything about the Middle East," Hannity said to her. "Absolutely," Graham replied. "I know national security is important. We have a wonderful commander in chief." She also exclaimed, "I know that we need to stand with the Israel."
On screen, a scroll listed "Darline Graham's Policy Positions." Graham attempted to clarify her debate remarks. "I tripped up on one question last night, regarding Taiwan. I don't speak politician. I was just honest. Of course, Taiwan is our friend," she said. "But I think people in South Carolina are more worried about boys in girls sports." On Monday, Hannity made clear he was supporting Graham and interviewed Sen. Tim Scott to explain his endorsement.
Other endorsements came from reliably hawkish Sen. Tom Cotton and neocon pundit Mark Levin. At a rally for Graham on Friday, Donald Trump told South Carolina voters, "What I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot." He pleaded, "Just come and vote. It's so important." For the president and others invested in America's wars, it was important to vote for the sister of Lindsey Graham. South Carolina did.
