South Carolina Republican voters show no clear favorite in the primary to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s U.S. Senate seat, according to an Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey released Thursday.
The survey of likely Republican primary voters found no candidate reaching 20 percent support. The most common response, chosen by 17.9 percent of respondents, was “undecided.”
Who leads and where the field stands
Among named figures, Rep. Ralph Norman led the poll with 16.4 percent support. Business owner and ordained deacon Mark Lynch followed at 12.5 percent. Other showing in the poll included:
- Nancy Mace — 10.1%
- Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette — 9.9%
- Rep. Russell Fry — 9.4%
- Gov. Henry McMaster — 7.7%
- Current Sen. Darline Graham Nordone — 5.9%
- Former Rep. Mark Sanford — 5.4%
| Candidate | Poll support |
|---|---|
| Undecided | 17.9% |
| Ralph Norman | 16.4% |
| Mark Lynch | 12.5% |
| Nancy Mace | 10.1% |
| Pamela Evette | 9.9% |
| Russell Fry | 9.4% |
| Henry McMaster | 7.7% |
| Darline Graham Nordone | 5.9% |
| Mark Sanford | 5.4% |
Timing and methodology
The state is scheduled to hold a special Republican primary on Aug. 11, with a runoff set for Aug. 25 if no candidate wins a majority. The Emerson/Nexstar survey was conducted July 14–15 among 500 likely Republican primary voters in South Carolina and carries a margin of error of ±4.3 percentage points.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone on Monday to fill the seat temporarily after the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died at age 71 from an aortic dissection while seeking a fifth term. Nordone will serve until Jan. 3, 2027, unless elected to the seat.
What this means for voters
With nearly one in five likely primary voters undecided and no candidate holding a clear lead, the race remains open less than a month before the special primary. The poll indicates a fractured field, increasing the likelihood of a runoff and giving voters more influence in the late campaign period.
For South Carolinians planning to vote in the Republican primary, the key dates are:
- Aug. 11 — Special Republican primary
- Aug. 25 — Runoff, if no candidate wins a majority
The evolving field and high undecided share suggest intensified outreach, advertising and candidate appearances in the coming weeks as campaigns seek to consolidate support before absentee and early voting periods proceed.
Reporting for News Block.
