Darline Graham, Ralph Norman poised for GOP runoff to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham

Aug. 10 (UPI) — Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman were poised Tuesday night to battle it out in a runoff election for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat long held by the late Lindsey Graham, who died last month.

Ten candidates faced off in the special primary, which was open to any eligible voter who didn’t vote in the Democratic primary in June. Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT, across South Carolina.

With nearly 60% of precincts reporting as of 9:45 p.m., Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, had secured 33.07% of the vote, according to unofficial state results.

“Thank you, South Carolina,” she said in a statement, saying she had advanced to the runoff.

“I am incredibly honored & humbled by your support.”

Norman appeared poised to head to the runoff with 23.62% of the vote.

“Tonight, voters made it clear they want a PROVEN CONSERVATIVE with a record of getting the job done on the ballot for the U.S. Senate, and as we advance to the runoff, that’s exactly what I’ll give them,” he said in a statement as the results went public.

To receive the nomination, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote. As no candidate did Tuesday, there will be a runoff Aug. 25.

The Washington Post reported that though none of the candidates is clearly aligned with President Donald Trump, he has attempted to rally support for Sen. Darline Graham, whom Gov. Henry McMaster appointed as her brother’s temporary replacement following his death last month. Trump urged McMaster to make the appointment and has also encouraged Darline Graham to run for the position permanently.