<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/darline-graham-nordone/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sen. Darline Graham Nordone</a> (R-SC) is facing uncertainty ahead of the Republican Senate primary runoff election in South Carolina scheduled for Tuesday, following a debate that did not meet expectations.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Initial <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4699074/ralph-norman-darline-graham-nordone-south-carolina-primary-poll/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">polls indicated</a> that Graham Nordone was leading her opponent, <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/?s=ralph+norman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rep. Ralph Norman</a> (R-SC), but her momentum declined after she stated she was <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4699074/ralph-norman-darline-graham-nordone-south-carolina-primary-poll/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“not that informed on national security,”</a> which raised concerns among voters regarding her qualifications. Graham Nordone was appointed by Gov. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/henry-mcmaster/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Henry McMaster</a> (R-SC) following the death of her brother, the late <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/lindsey-graham/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sen. Lindsey Graham</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“She’s had a tough week or so, particularly after her debate performance,” said Jim Antle, executive editor of <em>Washington Examiner</em>, during an appearance on C-Span’s <em>Washington Journal</em>. “There are a lot of questions about whether her level of experience is suited for serving in that Senate seat. She clearly still has a lot of her brother’s staff still with her, but it’s going to be an interesting dynamic.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Graham Nordone received a majority of the votes during an Aug. 11 special election; however, as no candidate received over 50%, she will compete against Norman in the runoff. The winner will become the Republican nominee for Senate. Graham Nordone has been endorsed by <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">President Donald Trump</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Antle noted that while many Republican candidates seek the president’s endorsement, it does not always guarantee success.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think sometimes when he endorses loyalists who are not necessarily the strongest candidate, his endorsement is important, but it’s not necessarily decisive,” Antle said.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Trump’s team is reportedly making efforts to support Graham Nordone, including a recent push of <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4698678/maga-inc-donations-south-carolina-senate-race-boost-darline-graham-nordone/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nearly $828,000</a> for her campaign. In contrast, Norman has established himself as a fifth-term congressman and is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, which may be a concern for the president, according to Antle.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4699074/ralph-norman-darline-graham-nordone-south-carolina-primary-poll/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>RALPH NORMAN ERASES DARLINE GRAHAM NORDONE’S LEAD ON FINAL DAY OF PRIMARY: POLL</strong></a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think the president probably doesn’t want too many of those types of people in the Senate,” Antle added. “He wants people who are cooperative. He wants people to be supportive of the administration’s agenda.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lindsey Graham was a close ally of Trump before his death, and Antle suggested that the president’s support for Graham Nordone may also serve as a tribute. Election results are expected to begin coming in after polls close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.</p>