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Republicans Split as South Carolina Senate Race Draws Rival Endorsements

Newsweek · back to the audit

The Republican primary battle for South Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat is highlighting an apparent divide among GOP leaders, with prominent figures backing competing potential candidates after longtime Senator Lindsey Graham's sudden death.

[Political scientist Robert Collins, characterizing the split as unusual:] "most Republican office holders wait to see what Trump will do before they start endorsing candidates" ... "Republican senators do not fear him as much as they used to" [tied to Trump entering lame-duck period].

[Trump, Truth Social post:] "I asked Darline...to run for the U.S. Senate...has my Complete and Total Endorsement" ... "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!"

[Sen. Rick Scott, endorsing Norman despite Trump backing Graham:] Norman "is a conservative fighter who will stand with @POTUS and help him deliver on the promises he made."

Additional facts: Norman has backing from Sens. Mike Lee (Utah) and Rick Scott (Fla.); Graham has backing from Trump, Sen. Tom Cotton (Ark.), and Rep. William Timmons (S.C.); three declared candidates are Darline Graham, Ralph Norman, and Russell Fry; filing opens July 21, closes July 28; primary Aug. 11; possible runoff Aug. 25; general election Nov. 3.