AP Decision Notes: What to expect in South Carolina’s special U.S. Senate primary runoff

South Carolina Republicans will head to the polls on Tuesday for the fourth time since June in order to replace the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on the general election ballot. The four special Republican primary runoff elections come after the unexpected death of Graham on July 11 from an aortic tear.

Graham won the June 9 Republican primary, but his loss of the August 11 special primary led to the runoff election. His sister, U.S. Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve out the remainder of her brother's term, and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, a five-term congressman, are the two finalists for the Republican nomination. Darline Graham received approximately 33% of the votes, while Ralph Norman received around 25%. Russell Fry, a third candidate, placed third with about 20% of the votes.

Darline Graham received backing from Republican U.S. Senator Tim Scott and President Donald Trump, who was an early supporter of Graham and attended a campaign rally with her in Myrtle Beach. Greenville County, the most populous county in South Carolina, typically contributes the most votes in Republican primaries, but Lindsey Graham lost it in the final election. Democratic-leaning Richland and Charleston counties also have significant populations and impact Republican primaries, but tend to favor Democratic candidates.