Ralph Norman and Darline Graham Lead SC Senate Primary Poll Ahead of Vote

With an election sitting less than two weeks away, voters are navigating a packed ballot that features several well-known state and national figures.

Polling Leaders Ralph Norman and Darline Graham Pace the Field

A survey conducted by Emerson College Polling and Nexstar Media on July 28–29, 2026, places Congressman Ralph Norman at the front of the pack with 22 percent support among likely GOP primary voters. Darline Graham follows closely behind at 19 percent.

The sample of 500 likely Republican primary voters carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

Voter Demographics and Economic Priorities in South Carolina

Voter preferences in the primary cleave visibly along generational lines. Norman draws his strongest backing from younger voters, pulling 24 percent support from those under 50 and 25 percent from voters in their 50s. Graham finds her core support among older demographics, capturing 30 percent of voters over 70, a group where Norman commands 16 percent.

Darline Graham Launches Senate Bid With Trump Endorsement Despite GOP Rivals

When asked what issue the next senator should prioritize, 60 percent of special election voters point to the economy. Immigration follows as the primary concern for 19 percent, while healthcare draws 8 percent and foreign policy claims 4 percent.

The Impact of Donald Trump’s Endorsement

Yet, that backing has met a complicated reception among the state’s conservative base.

According to the Emerson College poll, a majority of voters—53 percent—say Trump’s endorsement makes no impact on their vote. While 29 percent report being more likely to support the endorsed candidate, 18 percent say it makes them less likely to do so. Influential conservative activists across South Carolina have expressed skepticism, declining to automatically rally around the president’s choice in the closing days of the campaign.

Voter Attitudes on National Leaders and Foreign Policy

Republican primary voters also hold divergent views on who bears responsibility for ongoing cost pressures. Congress at 13 percent. On gasoline prices, 32 percent point to President Trump, 27 percent blame President Biden, 20 percent cite corporations, and 8 percent look to Congress.

Darline Graham Announces Bid for Full Senate Term With Trump Endorsement

On foreign policy questions included in the survey, 73 percent of Republican special election voters support U.S. military action in Iran, compared to 20 percent opposed and 8 percent neutral. Additionally, 88 percent of voters believe candidates must participate in a debate prior to the August 11 special primary, while 12 percent view debates as unimportant.