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Trump-backed Darline Graham holds slim lead in South Carolina Senate primary as runoff looms

WJCL · back to the audit

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Darline Graham holds a narrow lead in South Carolina's crowded Republican U.S. Senate contest, but a new poll suggests Tuesday's special primary is likely headed to a runoff.

The Trafalgar Group poll found Graham, the appointed incumbent and sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, leading with 26.4% support. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman followed at 19.5%.

Three candidates are effectively battling for second place. U.S. Rep. Russell Fry received 18.4%, while former Gov. Mark Sanford had 18.3%. Businessman Mark Lynch registered 7.5%.

If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to an Aug. 25 runoff.

The bigger question may be who claims the second spot. Norman, Fry and Sanford are separated by just 1.2 percentage points — well within the poll's margin of error.