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% of votes counted, Graham led a 10-candidate field with 33% of the vote, followed by Norman with 24%, Rep. Russell Fry at 20% and former Gov. Mark Sanford at 15%, 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.”

Both Graham and Norman have embraced Trump’s MAGA agenda, though the congressman was one of just two House members to back former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley during the 2024 Republican presidential primaries. He endorsed Trump after Haley dropped out of the race.

“Just so you understand, I like the other people,” Trump said Tuesday. “They’re all Trumpers, but, I endorse her. I think she’s great.”

Norman, a wealthy real estate developer, who was first elected to the House in 2016, is coming off an unsuccessful run for governor, in which he placed third in the June primary.

A member of the hard-line House Freedom Caucus, Norman signaled Tuesday that he intends to highlight his experience in Congress, drawing a contrast with Graham, a political newcomer.

“Tonight, voters made it clear they want a PROVEN CONSERVATIVE with a record of getting the job done on the ballot for the U.S. Senate, and as we advance to the runoff, that’s exactly what I’ll give them,’’ he said on social media.

Graham had initially been viewed as a placeholder candidate for the remainder of her brother’s tenure, which concludes in January. But she decided to run for a full six-year term after receiving encouragement from Trump. She also had the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

In a speech to supporters Tuesday night, Graham reiterated her support for key planks of the Trump agenda, including tougher immigration policies and strict voter identification measures.

She also leaned into her lack of political experience, saying, “I’ve been accused of not being the politician. Guilty as charged.”

Prior to her appointment, Graham spent years working in state government jobs, serving as the head of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, which assists blind and low-vision residents with job training and other programs. She also spent years as director of public information for the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department.

Graham was close to her older brother, who legally adopted her after their parents’ death. She has sought to balance preserving his legacy with a desire to put her own stamp on the job,

“When President Trump and others asked me to run for a full term in the Senate, I prayed hard about it,’’ she said Tuesday. “I knew I could not sit on the sidelines. That’s not how Lindsey and I were raised.”

The winner of the GOP runoff will face pediatrician Annie Andrews, who won the Democratic nomination in June. Andrews has been a strong fundraiser, ending June with $4.1 million in the bank. But she faces tough odds in a ruby-red state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in 28 years.

Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race Likely Republican.

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(John T. Bennett contributed to this report.)

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