SC Republican primary

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.

Just one day before early voting began in the runoff race, U.S. Sen. Darline Graham and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman debated one-on-one at the Newberry Opera House.

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.

In three days of early voting, 61,775 South Carolinians cast a ballot in the race to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham as the GOP nominee.

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 July 25, 2026: we continue our look at the life and legacy of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham; we also look at the next steps for this senate seat, including the upcoming special primary election on August 11 where several people have already filed to run, with others expected; and more!

The seat's fate begins with Gov. Henry McMaster. He appointed Darline Graham, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister, to the seat in a Monday afternoon press conference. She will serve until Jan. 3, 2027.