2026 Election

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 29, 2026: Sen. Darline Graham has won the U.S. Senate Republican nomination, defeating 5th District Congressman Ralph Norman in the special primary runoff; Graham will now face off against Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews, as well as libertarian and constitution party candidates in November; we hear from Norman, Graham, and supporters, and find out how she did it with analysis from communications strategist Rob Godfrey; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 25, 2026: we take you to Pres. Donald Trump’s rally for Sen. Darline Graham in Myrtle Beach last Friday; we also talk with the voters of Horry County about the election, who they’re backing, and their big issues; Gavin talks with NBC News’ Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki about pathways to victory in Tuesday’s runoff between Graham and Congressman Ralph Norman; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 22, 2026: we bring you highlights from the special U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff debate from this week.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 18, 2026: we are in the sprint to the August 25th U.S. Senate Republican special primary runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman; we have more analysis of the race from USC's Dr. Kirk Randazzo; Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy was in town stumping for State Sen. Wes Climer, who was running for the 5th Congressional District; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 15, 2026: we are heading to the August 25 special U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman; we hear from the two of them on election night; we also get analysis and a look ahead with political communications strategist Rob Godfrey; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 11, 2026: you’ve already heard from the candidates, now you’re going to hear from the voters on this special election day; we’ll also discuss Pres. Donald Trump’s influence on this race; host Gavin Jackson brings you clips from his visit to Joint Base Charleston, now Joint Base Lindsey Graham, on Monday; and more!

Polls closed at 7 p.m. in the race to be the GOP's Senate nominee. This story will update throughout the day.

Judge Daniel Coble said that the state GOP must certify Danny Ford II within 24 hours and that the state Election Commission needs to include him on early voting and election day ballots.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 4, 2026: we recap for you all the major moments from the celebrations of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s life in Washington and in Columbia over the past few days; we also look at the race to replace Graham on the November ballot, with nine certified candidates all vying for the nomination on August 11, and more likely the August 25 runoff; we have highlights from those candidates, who held their first stump on Saturday; and more!

State Rep. Jermaine Johnson on Thursday announced Charleston Democrat Sam Skardon as his lieutenant governor running mate.