Graham, Norman face off in debate Tuesday night

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The two candidates in the Special GOP Primary Runoff to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham on the upcoming midterm ballot took the debate stage Tuesday night.

The debate between Senator Darline Graham and Representative Ralph Norman was held at the Newberry Opera House and lasted about an hour.

The two answered questions about issues impacting South Carolina, the nation and national security.

The first question centered on the impact of gas prices on South Carolinians. In their own ways, both candidates addressed affordability and stated that the Strait of Hormuz needs to be reopened.

Regarding the national debt, both discussed the need to cut more of the fraud that has already been identified under the Trump Administration. Sen. Graham referenced her experiencing cutting duplication of services in the state agency she led prior to being appointed to her late brother’s Senate seat, telling the audience she would work to do the same in the federal government. Rep. Norman shared how the legislative body needs more courage to make cuts, explaining he would be the voice for that courage.

When the questioning turned to the candidate’s thoughts on Dr. Anthony Fauci’s refusal to answer questions during a recent hearing on COVID 19, Norman said, “He ought to be in an orange jumpsuit.” Graham also said he should be in jail.

The evening brought a discussion on AI, with both Graham and Norman expressing the need for guard rails. The two shared similar sentiments about deporting illegal immigrants immediately and birthright citizenship. At one point, Graham stated, “I am against birthright citizenship and will vote to prevent it from happening.”

The runoff is Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. The winner will face Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election.