Sen. Darline Graham Nordone’s Political Challenge

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone is leaning heavily on her endorsement from former President Donald Trump as she faces a tough political battle against Rep. Ralph Norman.

Just 45 days ago, many were unfamiliar with Sen. Nordone, who has taken on the name Sen. Graham, despite using Mrs. Nordone for the last two decades, particularly after the recent passing of her brother, Lindsey Graham.

Trump’s endorsement, which called for South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint her to her brother’s position as a “fitting tribute” to a close friend, helped this political newcomer gain entry into an exclusive political sphere for the remainder of her brother’s term.

Shortly after her appointment, she announced her intention to seek a full six-year term for herself.

However, Trump’s support hasn’t discouraged other political figures in South Carolina. Norman, along with Rep. Russell Fry and former governor Mark Sanford, decided to enter the race.

Norman managed to secure about a quarter of the primary vote, which was enough to put him in the runoff.

Yet, what raised eyebrows was Nordone’s total—only about a third of the votes cast, which, considering her incumbency and Trump’s support, seemed a bit concerning.

There hasn’t been much public polling to clarify the race’s situation. A poll released by Trafalger, a polling firm with connections to Trump, suggested a near tie. However, reports have indicated that internal polling from both camps shows Norman leading by a significant margin.

Trump has been active in rallying support for Nordone, making appearances in the state including a tele-rally just recently.

Nonetheless, Nordone hasn’t exactly helped her own situation.

During the only televised debate for the runoff, she admitted to being “not that informed on national security.” Even though she claims to be more right-leaning than her brother on immigration, she hesitated to provide specific details and even remarked that she hadn’t considered DACA yet. Additionally, she couldn’t immediately clarify her stance on birthright citizenship when questioned.

In contrast, Norman has consistently been a reliable ally to Trump in the House, even needing some nudges back toward the center on various compromises proposed by Trump’s legislative team.

Interestingly, Norman’s endorsement of Nikki Haley for the 2024 election—a decision based more on their long-standing friendship than political alignment—might have solidified Trump’s support for Nordone in this runoff.

With such a tight timeframe and unusual circumstances, it’s tough to predict turnout. Both candidates could emerge victorious, perhaps even with significant margins.

In addition, runoffs are occurring in Oklahoma, with headlines surrounding the gubernatorial GOP runoff between Trump-backed Mike Mazzei and Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

However, South Carolina is where most attention lies, with polls there closing at 7 p.m. ET, while Oklahoma’s close at 8 p.m. ET.

UPDATE 8:51 p.m. ET:

In Oklahoma, AG Gentner Drummond is currently ahead with 51.5 percent of the vote to Trump-endorsed Mike Mazzei’s 48.5, with 24 percent of the vote in. It is early, but results are expected to come in quickly.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m. ET:

With 75 percent of the votes counted, Nordone has increased her lead to 6 points. A call from the network could be imminent.

Norman has performed well in his home district where he is well-known, but outside of that area, he seems to be losing ground to Trump’s influence.

UPDATE 8:27 p.m. ET:

A significant new batch of votes from Greenville County came in, with results showing about 68 percent support for Norman. However, this new count has tightened Nordone’s statewide lead to under 6,000 votes, making it 51 percent to 49 percent. This race is still very much in play.

UPDATE 8:24 p.m. ET:

Currently, only 12 percent of the votes from Greenville, Norman’s home county, have been reported. While he is expected to do well there, he will need a strong showing in the remaining votes to match the statewide count. It’s challenging but not out of reach.

UPDATE 8:12 p.m. ET:

Nordone’s lead has stabilized around 8 points with over a third of votes in.

Interestingly, Tyler Bowyer from Turning Point noted that South Carolina’s open primary system allows Republican candidates to appeal to Democratic voters who did not participate in the Democratic primary. In special elections like this, that opens the door for any voter in the state to participate in the GOP primary.

UPDATE 7:59 p.m. ET:

It’s notable just how much Nordone is leaning on Trump’s endorsement. If she wins tonight, it will be largely attributed to him. Although she entered politics only 45 days ago, she has been hesitant to voice her opinions or beliefs on important issues, avoiding media—making multiple requests from various outlets. In contrast, Norman has engaged in extended interviews.

There may be a reason for Nordone’s silence on significant issues, considering she has only recently begun to contemplate these topics seriously.

Furthermore, it’s somewhat embarrassing that a staff member was overheard telling a reporter, “nothing too difficult here,” during a rare interview.

UPDATE 7:52 p.m. ET:

Norman is working hard to increase his tally in his region and is finding success, while Nordone is performing strongly in many other parts of the county, stretching beyond her Charleston stronghold.

Interestingly, the Dee Dee region in the northeast, traditionally represented by Fry who finished third in the prior primary, is leaning toward Nordone following his endorsement at Trump’s behest.

The race has become tighter, with Nordone now at 53 percent compared to Norman’s 47, with 22 percent of the vote reported.

UPDATE 7:30 p.m. ET:

So far, about 9 percent of the projected votes have been counted, showing Nordone at 57 percent and Norman at 43. The figures reported right now mostly reflect early votes cast before Election Day.

There’s a long way to go, but Nordone likely feels optimistic about the early trend.