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Early voting ends in South Carolina GOP Senate runoff as officials cite voter fatigue
Early voting has concluded in South Carolina's Republican Senate runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, with officials citing voter fatigue and low turnout. The race, which tests the influence of President Trump's endorsement, heads to the polls on Tuesday.
Early voting in South Carolina's Republican Senate runoff concluded Friday evening, with election officials across the Lowcountry reporting signs of voter fatigue. Polls closed at 5 p.m. ahead of Tuesday's election, which follows a primary and special election in quick succession, creating a compressed timeline that officials say has dampened participation.
Isaac Cramer, executive director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, described the short turnaround as a significant challenge. "We've actually seen voter fatigue with that," he said, noting that fewer voters have cast ballots during the August election season. Turnout figures from the tri-county area show Dorchester County recording just under 2,400 votes, Charleston County slightly more than 1,600, and Berkeley County 1,538. Cramer expects overall turnout to be less than 10%, lower than the first election on August 11.
Despite the lower numbers, election workers will operate at full capacity on Election Day. "We are prepared for 100% voter turnout," Cramer said. "We'll have all our locations fully staffed." He added that early voting is here to stay, noting that "South Carolinians love early voting."
Statewide, more than 60,000 ballots were cast during the three-day early voting period from August 19-21, according to data from the South Carolina Election Commission. The 63,686 votes represent a slight increase from the 61,755 cast early in the first primary. Greenville County led with just over 7,000 early votes, followed by Horry, Lexington, Spartanburg, York, Anderson, Beaufort, Dorchester, Richland, and Pickens counties.
The Candidates and the Stakes
The runoff pits Sen. Darline Graham, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister who was appointed to fill his seat, against Rep. Ralph Norman, a conservative member of the House Freedom Caucus. Graham placed first in the August 11 special primary with about 33% of the vote, while Norman received about 25%, and Rep. Russell Fry finished third with about 20%. Fry has since endorsed Graham.
The race is widely seen as a test of President Donald Trump's influence. Trump has endorsed Graham, campaigned with her in Myrtle Beach on Friday, and held two tele-rallies on her behalf. At the Myrtle Beach rally, Trump urged "every South Carolina patriot to go to the polls and vote for Darline Graham," and asked supporters to "pretend" he was on the ballot. He also defended Graham after a debate exchange in which she said she was "not that informed on national security," calling her "being honest."
Graham, 62, is a longtime state bureaucrat who has served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2019. She has never before run for elected office. Her campaign drew early criticism for her presence in Washington, D.C., for Senate votes instead of campaigning in the state. She has since held meet-and-greets in Aiken and Seneca and a news conference with Gov. Henry McMaster, who appointed her to the interim post and endorsed her on Friday.
Norman, who represents South Carolina's 5th District and recently lost a gubernatorial bid, has emphasized his experience and conservative record. At a "Faith Family & Freedom BBQ" event in Myrtle Beach on Sunday, he discussed abortion, First Amendment rights, the SAVE Act, and his record. When asked about Trump's endorsement of Graham, Norman said he would have loved to receive it but "that's fine," adding that he would still support the president. "I've got the experience, I've got the conservative record, I'm not backed up by the swamp like my opponent is," he said.
Key Endorsements and Financial Support
Graham has received endorsements from Sen. Tim Scott, who called her "ready for prime time" and "the real deal" on NBC News' "Meet the Press," and from Trump. Norman has support from former Gov. Nikki Haley and former Rep. Mark Sanford, according to Newsweek.
In the final days of the campaign, MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, spent nearly $830,000 on behalf of Graham, according to the Associated Press. The spending was aimed at text message blasts and phone calls to voters. The super PAC had been largely silent in this year's contests and had over $400 million in its coffers as of the end of last month.
The General Election Context
The winner of Tuesday's runoff will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a Charleston pediatrician, in the November general election. No Democrat has won a statewide-elected office in South Carolina in two decades, and the state is reliably Republican. Trump carried South Carolina in 2024 with 58% of the vote, and Lindsey Graham won reelection in 2020 with 54%.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Voters who participated in the Democratic primary on June 9 are not eligible to vote in this runoff, according to the South Carolina Election Commission. Only those who voted in the June Republican Primary, the U.S. Senate Special Republican Primary, or did not participate in any primary can vote. Photo ID is required.
How each outlet told it
Associated Press
Framing: Summarizes the campaign wrap-up, focusing on the final stretch and the dynamics of both campaigns. — Neutral but with a narrative focus on the contrasts between the candidates.
Facts Included:
Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman wrapping up campaigns for special primary.
Tests the heft of a famous political last name and Trump's endorsement.
Norman is fresh off unsuccessful gubernatorial bid.
Graham drew criticism for being in Washington instead of campaigning in SC.
Graham held meet and greets in Aiken and Seneca and news conference with McMaster.
Trump planned second tele-rally for Graham on Monday night.
Trump campaigned with Graham in Myrtle Beach on Friday.
Trump urged 'every South Carolina patriot' to vote for Graham.
McMaster never contemplated Graham would run, per source.
McMaster said 'I thought that was the right time' about his late endorsement.
Norman planned two events with pastors, ending in Greenville.
Greenville County is most populous and typically contributes most votes in GOP primaries.
Norman carried Greenville in gubernatorial primary; Lindsey Graham lost it in June primary.
Norman decried super PAC spending against him, accused Graham of being funded by special interests.
Norman said 'Washington elite' were dictating Graham's campaign.
Norman said Senate isn't a place for 'training on the job'.
Norman quote: 'We've had a short runway...' at Anderson town hall.
Winner faces Democrat Annie Andrews; no Democrat has won statewide in SC in two decades.
Framing: Frames the election in terms of voter fatigue, suggesting low engagement and turnout concerns. — Concerned and analytical, focusing on the administrative and civic challenges.
Facts Included:
Early voting ended in South Carolina GOP Senate runoff with officials citing voter fatigue.
Early voting polls closed at 5 p.m. ahead of Tuesday's election.
Contest follows a primary and special election, creating short turnaround.
Quote from Isaac Cramer, executive director of Charleston County Board: 'This election being such a short turnaround time poses a significant challenge.'
Cramer said fewer voters participated during August election season, 'We've seen voter fatigue with that.'
Turnout figures: Dorchester County just under 2,400 votes, Charleston County slightly more than 1,600, Berkeley County 1,538.
Cramer expects turnout to be less than 10%, lower than the first election on the 11th.
Election workers will continue at full capacity on Election Day.
Cramer said early voting is here to stay and 'South Carolinians love early voting'.
The article notes an exclusive interview with candidate Darlene Graham and a separate one with Norman planned.
Framing: Highlights Tim Scott's endorsement of Darline Graham, emphasizing her credentials and Trump's backing. — Supportive of Graham, with a defensive tone regarding the debate gaffe.
Facts Included:
Sen. Tim Scott called Darline Graham 'ready for prime time' and 'the real deal' on Aug. 23 episode of 'Meet the Press'.
Scott said Graham is 'highly qualified' and 'incredibly competent'.
Graham, 62, is a longtime state bureaucrat, commissioner of SC Commission for the Blind since 2019.
She is a political novice who has never run for elected office.
Graham's debate remarks: 'I'm not that informed on national security, but I do support the military.'
Trump defended Graham, saying she was 'being honest'.
McMaster appointed Graham to fill her brother's term after he died July 11 of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Lindsey Graham had already won the Republican nomination in June primary.
Graham announced she would run for full term and was backed by Trump.
Trump said 'I asked her to do this' at Aug. 21 rally.
Graham placed first in Aug. 11 special primary with 33% of vote.
She faces Rep. Ralph Norman, a hard-line conservative and House Freedom Caucus member, in runoff.
The runoff is a closely watched test of Trump's clout.
Framing: Questions what is at stake for the GOP, emphasizing the broader implications of the race for Trump's influence. — Analytical and somewhat speculative, focusing on the stakes rather than daily campaign events.
Facts Included:
Trump backed Darline Graham ahead of August 25 Republican Senate runoff.
Trump appeared with Graham at a rally in Myrtle Beach on Friday.
Graham is serving remainder of term that belonged to her late brother Lindsey Graham.
McMaster appointed her after Lindsey Graham died on July 11.
Trump urged supporters to vote and asked them to pretend he was on the ballot.
Quote: 'You have to get out and vote' and 'every South Carolina patriot to go to the polls and vote for Darline Graham'.
Runoff will decide Republican nominee; winner faces Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
South Carolina contest is a test of Trump's influence.
Graham finished first in Aug. 11 special primary, but not enough to avoid runoff; Norman finished second.
Graham has Trump's endorsement and family name advantage.
Norman has represented SC's 5th District since 2017 and is a member of House Freedom Caucus.
Norman called the endorsement a 'head scratcher' in Aug. 18 AP interview.
Norman emphasized his experience and voting record; he remains supportive of Trump despite backing Haley in 2024 primary.
Trump's campaign appearance was intended to bolster Graham after criticism of her debate performance.
Trump defended Graham's national security answer as honest and said she had competent advisers.
South Carolina is Republican-leaning; no Democrat has won a US Senate seat in decades.
Graham had not previously won elected office before appointment.
Debate question on Taiwan and South China Sea; Graham said 'I'm not that informed on national security'.
Graham mentioned her brother's and father's military service.
Norman's priorities include SAVE Act, national debt, Iran, energy prices.
Trump framed Graham's candidacy around his agenda and brother's legacy.
Trump is serving his second and final presidential term.
Framing: Focuses on Graham's chances of losing, framing the race as a potential upset and highlighting prediction market odds. — Neutral but with a focus on the competitiveness and uncertainty of the race.
Facts Included:
South Carolina Republicans choose between Darline Graham and Ralph Norman in special runoff on Tuesday.
Graham was appointed by Gov. McMaster to fill her late brother's seat.
Graham has Trump's endorsement.
Polling from Trafalgar Group (Aug 8-10) showed Graham up 7 points over Norman.
Prediction markets: Graham's chances at 68% on Kalshi and 77% on Polymarket as of Monday; on Aug 17 she had 89% on Kalshi.
Graham won 33% in primary, Norman 25%, Fry 20%, Sanford 15%.
Trump endorsed Graham, rallying for her and saying to pretend he is on the ballot.
In Aug 10 Truth Social post, Trump called Graham a 'spectacular person, and a true American Patriot.'
Graham has endorsements from Tim Scott and John Thune; Norman has support from Nikki Haley and Mark Sanford.
Graham drew criticism for debate answer on Taiwan and South China Sea.
Nancy Mace criticized Graham's remarks on her podcast.
Trump defended Graham, saying she is focused on prices.
Graham is an optician, worked for SC Commission for the Blind and Dept of Employment and Workforce.
She is married to Larry Nordone but uses her legal name Darline Graham.
Norman has represented SC's 5th District since 2017, served in state legislature, is conservative, endorsed Haley in 2024 presidential primary, ran for governor but lost.
South Carolina is reliably Republican; Democrats believe Annie Andrews could make it competitive.
Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball consider race safe/solid for Republicans.
Andrews campaign internal poll showed Norman leading 43-42, but matchup with Graham not released; poll conducted July 16-17, 2026 by Public Policy Polling, margin ±4.1.
South Carolina last voted Democratic in 1976 (Carter), Trump won by 18 points in 2024, 12 in 2020, 14 in 2016; Romney by 10 in 2012, McCain by 9 in 2008.
Framing: Focuses on live results and data points for the runoff, highlighting the electoral mechanics and vote counting process. — Neutral and procedural, with a focus on logistics and vote counting.
Facts Included:
Darline Graham placed first in the Aug. 11 special primary with about 33% of the vote, Norman about 25%, Fry about 20%.
Graham swept central South Carolina and Lowcountry; Norman performed best in Piedmont and Upstate; Fry did best in Pee Dee and Waccamaw regions.
Fry endorsed Graham; she has backing from Sen. Tim Scott and President Trump, who held a rally with her Friday in Myrtle Beach.
Greenville County is most populous and typically contributes most votes; Norman carried it in gubernatorial primary; Lindsey Graham lost it in his final election.
Richland and Charleston counties are Democratic-leaning but contribute votes in Republican primaries; Horry, Lexington, Spartanburg are also large counties.
Winner faces Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a Charleston pediatrician who challenged Rep. Nancy Mace in 2022.
Lindsey Graham won reelection in 2020 with 54%; Trump carried state in 2024 with 58%.
Polls close at 7 p.m. ET; voters who participated in Democratic primary on June 9 cannot vote; about 3.4 million registered voters.
About 465,000 voted in June 9 primary; about 336,000 in Aug. 11 special primary; 19% early/absentee; 45,000 ballots already cast as of Friday.
Early/absentee votes released first; AP declared first results at 7:13 p.m. ET in Aug. 11 primary; recounts automatic if margin 1% or less.
As of Tuesday, there will be 70 days until 2026 midterm elections.
Framing: Emphasizes the massive financial backing from MAGA Inc. in the final day, suggesting a significant investment and the importance of money in the race. — Neutral but with a focus on the financial dynamics and strategic moves of both campaigns.
Facts Included:
MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, spent $827,000 on the final day of the runoff campaign for Darline Graham.
The spending was aimed at text message blasts and phone calls to voters.
MAGA Inc. had been largely silent in this year's contests and had over $400 million in its coffers as of end of last month.
Graham drew early criticism for being in Washington, D.C., for Senate votes instead of campaigning in South Carolina.
Graham held meet and greets in Aiken and Seneca and a news conference with Gov. McMaster who endorsed her on Friday.
Trump held tele-rallies for Graham and campaigned in Myrtle Beach on Friday.
McMaster had never contemplated Graham would run for the seat herself, according to a person familiar with his thinking.
Norman planned two events with pastors, ending in Greenville.
Norman carried Greenville County in the gubernatorial primary and it was one of the only counties Lindsey Graham lost in the June primary.
Norman accused Graham of being funded by special interests and said the 'Washington elite' were dictating her campaign.
Norman emphasized his experience and that the Senate isn't a place to get 'training on the job'.
Winner faces Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
No Democrat has won a statewide-elected office in South Carolina in two decades.
Framing: Focuses on early voting turnout numbers, presenting the election as a procedural event. — Neutral and factual, with a focus on numbers and logistics.
Facts Included:
Over 60,000 cast ballots early in the runoff election.
Data from SC Election Commission shows 63,686 votes cast during Aug. 19-21 early voting period.
This is a slight bump up from the 61,755 that voted early in the first primary election.
Greenville County saw the most early turnout with just over 7,000 votes.
Horry, Lexington, Spartanburg, York, Anderson, Beaufort, Dorchester, Richland and Pickens counties followed in the top 10.
Election day for the runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman is Tuesday.
Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Winner faces Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November.
Framing: Frames the runoff as a straightforward voting event, focusing on logistics and eligibility. — Neutral and informative, with a civic-duty emphasis.
Facts Included:
Voting begins Tuesday in the runoff election for Republican nomination for SC U.S. Senate seat.
Voters decide between Sen. Darline Graham and Congressman Ralph Norman.
Seat left vacant after Lindsey Graham's death in July.
Over 60,000 votes cast in early voting period from Aug. 19-21.
Election day is Aug. 25.
June Democratic Primary voters not eligible.
Only voters who participated in June Republican Primary, U.S. Senate Special Republican Primary, or did not participate in any primary can vote.
Photo ID required, list of accepted IDs.
Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Winner faces Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews in November.
Framing: Focuses on Norman's final campaign event, highlighting his message and positions. — Supportive of Norman, with a tone of defiance regarding Trump's endorsement.
Facts Included:
Ralph Norman visited Myrtle Beach to speak to voters ahead of Tuesday's runoff.
Held 'Faith Family & Freedom BBQ' event at Simply Southern Smokehouse on Sunday.
Local and state leaders shared why they were backing Norman.
Norman discussed abortion, First Amendment rights, the SAVE Act, and his record.
When asked about Trump's endorsement of Graham, Norman said he would have loved to receive it but said 'that's fine' and he would still support the president.
Norman said: 'I've got the experience, I've got the conservative record, I'm not backed up by the swamp like my opponent is...'
Winner of the runoff will go against Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimDarline Graham placed first in the Aug. 11 special primary with about 33% of the vote.
ClaimIn the Aug. 11 special primary, the AP first reported results at 7:13 p.m. ET, and the last update was at 11:25 p.m. ET with more than 99% of votes counted.