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Trump pick Darline Graham wins election despite struggling over Taiwan question

The political newcomer wins Republican Senate nomination after failing to answer questions about South China Sea issues

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Republican Senator Darline Graham addresses supporters on Tuesday after winning a special primary run-off to replace her brother, the late Lindsey Graham in the November general election. Photo: AP
Han Liin Washington, DC
South Carolina Senator Darline Graham won the Republican nomination in seeking a full term on Tuesday, overcoming a rocky moment in last week’s debate, when she struggled to answer questions about Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Graham, a political newcomer, was appointed to the seat in July following the unexpected death of her brother, Lindsey Graham, one of the Senate’s most senior and influential Republicans. Backed by US President Donald Trump, she was required to contest a special primary to secure the party’s nomination for a full term.

According to results released on Tuesday at 9pm, Graham won 52.4 per cent of the vote, defeating Representative Ralph Norman in the run-off and will advance to the November election.

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South Carolina is a Republican stronghold, and whoever wins the Republican nomination is widely expected to win in November. Graham and Norman advanced from an earlier August primary in which neither candidate won more than 50 per cent of the vote, forcing Tuesday’s run-off.

The campaign was not without geopolitical drama. During last week’s debate, Graham was asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the United States. She appeared unprepared for the topic, first asking the moderator to repeat the question, then acknowledging that she was not an expert on national security.

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