Nine candidates are running in the Aug. 11 special Republican primary to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham on the Nov. 3 ballot. Graham, a four-term senator, died July 11.
Filing for the race officially closed at noon on July 28. The candidates are:
- Duke Buckner, an attorney based in Walterboro
- Rep. Russell Fry, who represents District 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives
- Sen. Darline Graham, Graham’s sister who was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to fulfill his unexpired term
- Greenville businessman Mark Lynch
- Former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride
- Rep. Ralph Norman, who represents District 5 in the U.S. House of Representatives
- Glenda Gail Parker, a retired budget analyst
- Mark Sanford, former governor and District 1 representative in the U.S. House of Representatives
- Samuel “Sam” Shepherd, a bioengineer, inventor and entrepreneur
Voters who participated in the June Republican primary, or who did not vote in either party’s June primary, are eligible to cast a ballot. Those who voted in the June Democratic primary are not eligible to vote in this election.
Early voting for the special Republican primary is Aug. 5-7. If a runoff is needed, it will be held Aug. 25. The winner will face off against Annie Andrews in the general election. For more information, visit scvotes.gov.
