Voters in South Carolina will return to the polls on Tuesday, August 26, for a special Republican Senate runoff election. This election will determine the party’s nominee to replace the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on the November general election ballot.
The runoff features U.S. Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve the remainder of her brother’s term, and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, a five-term congressman. Darline Graham secured approximately 33% of the vote in the August 11 special primary, while Norman received about 25%. Neither candidate achieved the majority needed to avoid a runoff.
Lindsey Graham, who initially won the June 9 Republican primary for renomination, passed away on July 11 due from an aortic tear. This created a vacancy for both his current U.S. Senate seat and the party’s nomination for another six-year term.
Darline Graham has received endorsements from Republican U.S. Senator Tim Scott and President Donald Trump, who held a campaign rally with her on Friday in Myrtle Beach. U.S. Representative Russell Fry, who placed third in the special primary with about 20% of the vote, has also endorsed Darline Graham.
The winner of Tuesday’s runoff will advance to face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a Charleston pediatrician. Lindsey Graham was last reelected in 2020 with 54% of the vote, and President Trump carried South Carolina in 2024 with 58% of the vote.
Beyond South Carolina, voters in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District will participate in a special election runoff to fill the seat of the late Democratic U.S. Representative David Scott, who died on April 22. The contest is between former Gwinnett County School Board Chair Everton Blair and Marcye Scott, the daughter of the late congressman. Marcye Scott received about 46% of the vote in the July 28 all-party special election, with Blair receiving approximately 38%. The winner will serve the remaining months of David Scott’s term, which concludes on January 3, 2027.
Oklahoma Republicans will also hold a runoff for governor, and Democrats will select a U.S. Senate nominee. Additionally, Oklahoma voters will decide on two statewide ballot measures, including State Question 846, which proposes a constitutional amendment to require voter identification, a measure already mandated by state law. State Question 844 addresses reimbursements to local governments for lost property tax revenue under a manufacturing incentive program.
