CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) \u2014 South Carolina Republican voters will head to the polls today to choose a nominee in a special U.S. Senate primary brought about by the death of longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham, capping a whirlwind campaign that lasted barely two weeks and featured a crowded field of candidates seeking to become the party’s standard-bearer in November.<\/p>\n
The race has unfolded under unusual circumstances. Graham’s death in July triggered a rapid-fire election schedule unlike anything many South Carolina election officials can recall. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote Tuesday, the top two finishers will advance to an Aug. 25 runoff election.<\/p>\n
Election officials have repeatedly described the timeline as unprecedented. Isaac Cramer, executive director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, explained the bind election administrators have been put in, preparing for a countywide election in less than 30 days while awaiting a finalized candidate list just weeks before voting began. He also noted that Election Day falls on the first day of school for many districts, creating additional challenges because many traditional polling places are located in schools.<\/p>\n
READ MORE | ‘The worst day to have an election,’ special primary to be held on the first day of school<\/a><\/p>\n Much of the campaign has centered on name recognition and existing political networks. Political scientist Mark Owens explained how the accelerated schedule has made it difficult for lesser-known candidates to introduce themselves to voters and may favor candidates already familiar to Republican primary voters. \u201cIt’s hard to establish a new reputation right now in just two weeks,\u201d Owens said.<\/p>\n Candidates spent the final days of the campaign making their voices heard to voters across the state. Outside their individual campaign stops, candidates rallied to deliver stump speeches and fielded questions from party members across the state, providing voters a deeper look at the candidates’ backgrounds and policy priorities. <\/p>\n Candidate Rundown<\/p>\n A total of 10 Republican candidates are on Tuesday’s ballot, creating one of the most crowded statewide GOP fields in recent South Carolina history. The candidates include appointed Sen. Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister; U.S. Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman; former Gov. Mark Sanford; Danny Ford; Mark Lynch; Duke Buckner; Mark McBride; Samuel Shepherd; and Glenda Parker.<\/p>\n Among the better-known contenders is Russell Fry, who has campaigned as a conservative reformer focused on economic issues and national security<\/a>. Throughout his campaign, Fry has highlighted rising household costs, energy policy and his legislative record in Congress, arguing that voters should view his candidacy as an opportunity for a new generation of conservative leadership.Mark Sanford, the former governor and congressman, entered the race emphasizing concerns about the national debt and federal spending<\/a>. His candidacy added another familiar name to a field already featuring current and former statewide figures and members of Congress.Darline Graham has sought to build on the legacy of her late brother while serving as his interim successor in the Senate. Appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster after Lindsey Graham’s death, she entered the race despite having never previously held elected office.President Donald Trump has been vocal in his endorsement of Graham, holding a telerally yesterday urging voters to vote for Darline.<\/a>Ralph Norman has positioned himself as a staunch conservative and fiscal hawk<\/a>, emphasizing government spending cuts, lower taxes and a reduced federal footprint. The congressman entered the race as one of the best-known elected officials in the field, giving him an established base among Republican primary votersMark Lynch returned to the race after challenging Lindsey Graham earlier this year, presenting himself as an outsider alternative to more established politicians. His campaign has focused on conservative grassroots activism and giving voters a choice beyond Washington incumbents.Duke Buckner has campaigned on his background in business and public service, arguing that private-sector experience is needed to address federal spending and economic concerns. He has sought to appeal to Republican voters looking for a non-career politician with executive experience.Mark McBride has focused his campaign on conservative governance and accountability in Washington. As one of the lesser-known candidates in the field, McBride has used public forums and stump events to introduce himself and his platform to Republican voters.Samuel Shepherd has promoted himself as a conservative outsider seeking to bring a fresh perspective to the Senate race. During campaign appearances, Shepherd has addressed issues including the economy, government spending and other priorities important to Republican primary voters.Glenda Parker has campaigned as a conservative candidate focused on representing everyday South Carolinians. Parker has used candidate forums and public appearances to argue for a stronger voice for grassroots voters in Washington.Danny Ford became one of the race’s most controversial candidates after successfully challenging an effort by the South Carolina Republican Party to keep him off the ballot<\/a>. Ford argued in court that party leaders improperly disqualified him under a new eligibility rule, and a judge ordered election officials to include him in the special primary, making ballot access a defining issue of his campaign<\/p>\n