Tim Scott endorses Darline Graham Nordone for South Carolina Senate runoff
The NRSC chair backs Graham Nordone against Rep. Ralph Norman in the August 25 runoff to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham.
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Summary, timeline and people extracted by Claude from 7 items across 4 sources · 7h ago. Quotes are verbatim.
What to know
- Tim Scott, as NRSC chairman, formally endorsed Darline Graham Nordone on Wednesday for the August 25 runoff, marking a significant organizational boost despite her failure to clinch outright victory in the primary.
- Graham Nordone won the first round with 33% of the vote, about 8 points ahead of Rep. Ralph Norman, but fell short of the threshold needed to avoid a runoff despite President Trump's backing.
- The race features a split among South Carolina's Republican establishment: Scott backs Graham Nordone while Rep. Nancy Mace supports Norman and questions his opponent's conservative credentials.
- Graham Nordone is seeking election to a full Senate term following her appointment to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from heart failure last month.
How it unfolded
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Sen. Tim Scott, NRSC chairman, announced his formal endorsement of Graham Nordone on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday, saying he voted for her in the primary and will support her in the runoff.
“If I were going to endorse in the South Carolina GOP Senate primary, I wanted to do so with confidence. After watching Darline Graham in the Senate and on the campaign trail, I'm confident she's the real deal.”
Tim Scott · Memeorandum ↗ -
Rep. Nancy Mace announced support for Ralph Norman in the runoff, claiming he is the 'only candidate with 100% conservative voting record,' implying Graham Nordone does not fully align with conservative principles.
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In the special Senate primary election, Darline Graham Nordone secured the top spot with nearly 33% of the vote, roughly 8 points ahead of Rep. Ralph Norman. Despite Trump's backing, she failed to clinch enough votes to avoid a runoff.
What people are saying verbatim
“If I were going to endorse in the South Carolina GOP Senate primary, I wanted to do so with confidence. After watching Darline Graham in the Senate and on the campaign trail, I'm confident she's the real deal.”
Tim Scott, U.S. Senator, NRSC chair · Washington Examiner / X post ↗
“Her first-place finish last night was remarkable, but not surprising. She is a conservative stalwart, a hard worker, and represents our beloved state with class, humility, and dignity.”
Tim Scott, U.S. Senator, NRSC chair · Washington Examiner / X post ↗
“I know she is making her brother proud, but Darline has already proven to be her own person: focused on pocketbook issues, defending our South Carolina values, and delivering for the people she represents.”
Tim Scott, U.S. Senator, NRSC chair · Washington Examiner ↗
“I voted for Darline in yesterday's primary, and I'll vote for her again in the runoff. I'm proud to endorse Darline Graham for the U.S. Senate, and I encourage South Carolina Republicans across our state to join me in voting for her in the runoff.”
Tim Scott, U.S. Senator, NRSC chair · Washington Examiner ↗
“only candidate with 100% conservative voting record”
Nancy Mace, U.S. Representative · Washington Examiner / X post ↗