Ralph Norman write-in backers defy Trump's Senate endorsement in South Carolina
Young Trump supporters back a grassroots write-in campaign for Republican Congressman Ralph Norman against Trump-endorsed Darline Graham.
Young conservatives in South Carolina are running a grassroots write-in campaign for Republican Congressman Ralph Norman to oppose Senator Darline Graham, whom Trump has endorsed. Norman lost to Graham in August's primary election, but his supporters say she never earned their votes.
Supporters' anger focuses on Trump starting a war on Iran. He had promised in 2024 to avoid new military conflicts.
Norman has made clear he doesn't back Graham, saying: "You have to earn the vote. She hasn't done that."
Graham was appointed to the Senate after her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, died unexpectedly in July. Write-in campaigns almost never win, but the split signals cracks in Trump's backing among younger conservatives.
- 28
- Milton's age
- 1998
- Last Democratic Senate win in South
- 0.1 percent of all votes cast
- Write-in votes in 2022 South Carolina
Why it mattersRepublican disunity in a swing Senate race could help Democrats flip a state. The state hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1998.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but US Senate control affects global military policy, trade, and alliances important to Australia.
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