Ralph Norman

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The race for the Republican nomination in South Carolina’s special U.S. Senate election is down to two candidates following a crowded primary field, with Sen. Darline Graham and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman advancing to an Aug. 25 runoff election.

The winner of the runoff will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November.

Political observers say the runoff presents voters with a choice between a well-known conservative candidate and a relative newcomer whose policy positions have only recently come into focus.

“This was a very interesting race. It turned out to be a genuine four-person race,” said Brent Nelsen, a professor of politics and international affairs at Furman University.

Primary results showed a sharp geographic divide. Graham carried much of the Lowcountry and Midlands, while Norman’s strength in the Upstate helped propel him into the runoff.

Analysts say Graham, who received nearly one-third of the vote in the primary, must broaden her coalition to secure a runoff victory. Supporters of eliminated candidates, including U.S. Rep. Russell Fry and former Gov. Mark Sanford, will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.

At the same time, Norman faces the challenge of expanding his appeal beyond the Upstate and making inroads in regions such as the Grand Strand and Pee Dee, areas expected to play a key role in the runoff.

Graham, who most recently led the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, said she plans to spend the final days of the campaign meeting voters across the state.

“I want to touch as many people as I can because I know I have to earn people’s vote,” Graham said. “It’s not just going to be given to me, so I want to really get out there and get to know people.”

She touted her management experience and record in state government.

“I’m a hard worker. I’ve worked for this state for 30 years,” Graham said. “For the last seven years, I’ve run a state agency where I’ve turned a struggling agency into a national model, so I bring experience to the table.”

Graham also said she has spoken with President Donald Trump several times since the primary election and expressed hope that he could visit South Carolina during the runoff campaign.

“He was very excited for me, and I’m hopeful he’ll come to South Carolina,” Graham said. “I’m not going to commit him to it yet, but fingers crossed. I am hopeful.”

Norman, meanwhile, emphasized party unity and the importance of preparing for the general election.

“It’s time for all of us to come together,” Norman said. “We’ve got a tough election in November. We have a socialist candidate. We cannot go there, so I want to get ready for that and take our message to them.”

Asked about not receiving Trump’s endorsement in the race, Norman said “it’s fine”, and that South Carolina voters will ultimately decide the outcome.

“I see an electricity in this race,” Norman said. “I see people wanting to get involved, and I think it couldn’t come at a better time. We are at a tipping point in America, and I want to make sure it tips the right way.”

The Republican runoff election is scheduled for Aug. 25. The winner will advance to the November general election against Andrews.