Trumps Wahl zur Ersetzung von Lindsey Graham steht vor wachsender Revolte der GOP

Darline Graham, the sister of late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and the president's chosen successor, faces mounting resistance within the Republican Party ahead of the August 11 primary. According to recent polling and insights from Republican strategists, support for Graham among potential voters is waning despite her brother’s endorsement and her own efforts to position herself as a viable candidate. Graham officially launched her campaign on July 20, following President Trump’s public encouragement for her to run. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to complete the remainder of her brother’s term earlier this month. In a statement to Fox News, Graham expressed confidence in her ability to lead, citing decades of service to the people of South Carolina. “I’ve worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to conservative values and her readiness to take on the role. However, her campaign is encountering challenges. Political consultants suggest that her relative unfamiliarity with national politics could be a liability. Ryan Girdusky, a Republican political strategist, noted that Graham’s lack of visibility outside of her familial connection to Graham may hinder her appeal. “She’s a largely unknown entity,” he remarked, adding that while her pro-life stance and support for the SAVE America Act are positive attributes, they may not be sufficient to secure her victory. A new Emerson College poll released Thursday indicates that Rep. Ralph Norman leads the field with 22% of the vote, followed by Darline Graham at 19%, Rep. Russell Fry at 12%, and former Governor Mark Sanford at 11%. Nine candidates have qualified for the August 11 primary, with approximately 25% of voters still undecided. Should no candidate achieve a majority, the top two finishers will face off in a runoff on August 25. The poll also reveals that President Trump’s influence may not be as decisive as anticipated. While 29% of respondents indicated that his endorsement increased their likelihood of supporting Graham, 53% stated it had no effect on their voting intentions. An additional 18% claimed the endorsement made them less inclined to back her candidacy. This suggests that Graham’s campaign might struggle to mobilize beyond the president’s core base. Republican Rep. Ralph Norman, a seasoned figure in South Carolina politics, has emerged as a formidable contender. First elected to Congress in a special election in 2017, Norman previously held positions in both the South Carolina House of Representatives and the state legislature. His campaign has received endorsements from prominent conservatives such as Florida Senator Rick Scott and Utah Senator Mike Lee, alongside support from numerous Upstate sheriffs. His campaign strategy appears to focus on leveraging his established reputation and local connections. Meanwhile, Rep. Russell Fry has secured backing from 40 Republican state legislators, indicating a broad network of support. Fry’s campaign emphasizes his legislative experience and alignment with conservative principles, positioning him as a credible alternative to Graham. Darline Graham, meanwhile, brings a unique set of qualifications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the College of Charleston and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from South Carolina State University. Her professional career included work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and leadership roles within the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. If elected, she would become the first woman from South Carolina to hold a seat in the U.S. Senate, marking a historic milestone. As the primary approaches, the race remains highly competitive, with multiple candidates vying for the opportunity to fill the vacancy left by Lindsey Graham. The outcome will depend on how effectively each candidate can connect with voters and navigate the complex landscape of South Carolina politics.