American politician and real estate developer, U.S. representative for SC-5 since 2017
Lindsey Graham’s death triggers an interim appointment and a high-stakes Aug. 11 special primary to replace him. Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary successor, while Republicans eye potential contenders including Darline Graham Nordone, Nancy Mace and others as the field gears up for a crowded race.
The late Sen. Lindsey Graham has left a vacancy prompting a high-stakes scramble for the state’s Senate seat. Darline Graham has started conversations about a potential campaign, while rivals eye the August 11 primary and funeral services for Lindsey Graham have been set.
South Carolina Republicans are organizing for the special election to fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat. Filing closes July 28, Aug. 11 GOP primary, and a November general election will determine the six‑year term. Endorsements complicate the field as multiple candidates announce bids.
Several Republicans have jumped into the South Carolina U.S. Senate special election, linking their bids to President Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham Nordone. Sanford, Fry, Norman and Lynch are on the ballot or entering the race, while Gowdy remains a potential wildcard. The contest centers on loyalty to Trump and how endorsements shift the primary landscape.
Funeral services for Senator Lindsey Graham have taken place in Washington and South Carolina after his sudden death on July 11. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have attended memorials that have highlighted Graham’s influence on U.S. foreign policy and set off a scramble for his Senate seat in South Carolina.
South Carolina has held a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and has produced a runoff. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced; Rep. Russell Fry finished a close third. The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly decide the GOP nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Trump has touted a high success rate for endorsements across 2018-2026, while opponents question the reliability and motives behind those wins as candidates in Alabama, Georgia and beyond move through primaries. The pieces highlight intra-party tensions and the evolving dynamics of Trump’s influence.
The race for the Texas Senate seat is tightening. Paxton has secured the GOP nomination and is pursuing funding from Trump's MAGA network to fend off a strong Democratic challenger backed by polls and internal data. Other races show Trump’s endorsements affecting outcomes and the broader GOP landscape as Republicans weigh fundraising and support strategies.
President Donald Trump has campaigned in Myrtle Beach to back Darline Graham in South Carolina’s special Republican primary, pressing his influence after the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump has publicly endorsed Darline, held a tele‑rally and framed her as a defender of his priorities as voters prepare to choose a nominee for November’s special election.
In a Republican runoff, Darline Graham has secured a narrow victory in South Carolina with about 52.5% of the vote to Ralph Norman’s 47.6%, aided by a late endorsement from Donald Trump. Graham had faced scrutiny after a debate misstep on national security issues, and Trump’s intervention follows a string of endorsements that have fluctuated in effectiveness.
Rep. Chuck Edwards has been censured by the House Ethics Committee for sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The move follows Axios reporting that he singled out two young female staffers. Edwards, who has dropped his reelection bid, argues the conduct was not sexual harassment and defends gifts and interactions with staffers.
The House has censured a North Carolina congressman in a rare, bipartisan rebuke after a four‑month Ethics Committee probe found a pattern of unprofessional conduct toward two female staffers. The vote, 413–2, underscores ongoing concerns about safeguarding staff and workplace culture in Congress.
Representative Thomas Massie has filed privileged articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, forcing the House to consider the measure within two legislative days. Speaker Mike Johnson has moved to end the pre-election session early, delaying any vote past the midterms and complicating Massies parallel effort to force release of Epstein-related files.
The president has traveled to Ohio to bolster Republican candidates ahead of the midterms, highlighting data-center policy and energy costs while facing questions about the economy and Iran-related tensions. The trip underscores concerns about inflation and turnout in key battleground districts.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has told Semafor that Democrats remain united and expect to win control of the Senate despite a widening fundraising gap with Republicans. He warns that large GOP war chests could threaten the party's chances, even as he asserts confidence in Democratic candidates and the current political climate.
The GOP is shifting resources to Kansas as the Senate fight tightens, with veteran strategist Chris Grant joining Marshall’s team and outside groups pouring money into the race. Hamilton counters with new endorsements and a robust campaign. The move follows polling that keeps the seat competitive in a state Trump carried in 2024.