Senator Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC) released a series of advertisements leading up to the special Republican primary runoff, expressing her support for the SAVE America Act and opposing the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. This strategy aligns her with President Donald Trump's campaign messages.
Graham Nordone had faced criticism for not clearly stating her policy positions until recently. During a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Trump criticized Democrats on voting requirements and transgender issues, emphasizing a strategy of waiting until close to elections to attack their policies to prevent them from adjusting their stances.
Trump stated, "Anybody that believes in this stuff cannot win an election," and advised Republicans to delay discussions on these topics until shortly before elections.
In the lead-up to the debate against her opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Graham Nordone faced backlash for her comments on national security policy. Norman's campaign portrayed her as an undefined candidate benefiting from her last name, as she is the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
In response, Graham Nordone released ads focusing on her positions, including one affirming her commitment to keeping girls' sports for girls and another supporting Second Amendment rights, featuring her visit to a firearms facility.
Graham Nordone, appointed to her late brother's seat, has been encouraged by Trump to seek a full term while backing his policy priorities. South Carolina voters will decide between Graham Nordone and Norman in the upcoming primary, with the winner facing Democrat Annie Andrews in November.