Graham wins GOP nomination in South Carolina with Trump backing

Senator Darline Graham, backed by a significant investment of political capital from President Donald Trump, narrowly won the Republican nomination for her late brother's Senate seat in South Carolina on Tuesday night. Graham defeated Congressman Ralph Norman in a runoff election, securing the GOP ticket for the November general election. The victory, with Graham prevailing 52% to 48%, was a critical test of Trump's influence as a political kingmaker following a recent string of primary losses for his endorsed candidates. Graham, a political novice who was appointed to complete the term of her brother, the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July, expressed gratitude for the support. "I continue to miss Lindsey every day, and there is still a big hole in my heart, but I know he's looking down, very proud," she said in her victory speech. She also acknowledged the president's role, stating, "South Carolina is truly Trump country." The campaign was compressed and competitive. Graham faced scrutiny over her readiness, particularly after acknowledging during a debate that she was "not that informed on national security" when questioned about Taiwan.