Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP Senate runoff

Sen. Darline Graham won the Republican nomination for South Carolina's U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in a runoff. Graham, who was appointed to the seat after her brother Lindsey Graham's death in July, will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Source: SCMP Source: AP News

The race

Graham's victory was narrow, with 52.4% of the vote to Norman's 47.6%, according to SCMP. The runoff was necessary after neither candidate secured a majority in the August 11 primary, where Graham led with about 33% to Norman's 25%. Source: AP News Source: NPR

Trump's influence

President Donald Trump heavily backed Graham, holding a rally with her in Myrtle Beach and spending over $827,000 through his super PAC. Source: NPR Source: CNBC The race was seen as a test of Trump's endorsement power, especially after recent primary losses in other states. Source: CNN Some voters, however, said they were motivated more by loyalty to Lindsey Graham's legacy than by Trump's endorsement. Source: CNN

Debate controversy

Graham faced criticism after struggling in a debate to answer a question about Taiwan and the South China Sea, saying, "I'm not that informed on national security." Source: SCMP Source: The Guardian Sen. Tim Scott defended her, saying she is prepared to serve, while Trump called her answer "very honest." Source: The Guardian Norman, a five-term congressman, had highlighted the contrast, casting himself as the more experienced candidate. Source: CNBC