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South Carolina Republicans are racing to select a successor to late Senator Lindsey Graham through an accelerated primary process. Ten candidates have intensified their campaigns across the state, condensing what typically takes a full year into roughly two weeks of events at local diners, churches, and community centers.
The special primary election takes place Tuesday, with Graham’s sister Darline among the contenders. Darline, who was appointed as interim senator by Governor Henry McMaster following her brother’s death last month, brings significant advantages to the race, including the backing of President Donald Trump and decades of experience in public service and disability advocacy.
Political observers note that South Carolina’s political landscape presents unique challenges for candidates. Local activists emphasize that state voters prize independence and personal connections, meaning that Trump’s endorsement, while valuable, does not guarantee victory. The compressed timeline also disadvantages candidates who lack established campaign infrastructure, as voters report needing more time to become familiar with their options.
If no candidate achieves a majority vote on Tuesday, the top two finishers will compete in a runoff scheduled for August 25th. Polling indicates this scenario is probable. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November general election.
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Originally reported by Theguardian →
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