Darline Graham, Ralph Norman wrap up a whirlwind South Carolina Senate primary campaign

Columbia, South Carolina (AP) — Senators Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman are concluding their intensive campaigns to secure the Republican nomination in a special U.S. Senate primary. This vote aims to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham on November ballots. The race features the renowned Norman, who recently lost a gubernatorial bid earlier this summer, and Graham, the sister of the late Senator and a political newcomer thrust into the spotlight.

The runoff tests the influence of both a well-known last name and the support of President Donald Trump, who is backing Graham and campaigned in the state in the days leading up to the vote. Graham faced early criticism for being in Washington for Senate votes instead of in South Carolina, where many voters expressed unfamiliarity with her or her positions.

She has been working to regain ground, holding meet and greet events and a news conference with Governor Henry McMaster, who appointed her to the interim position and endorsed her on Friday. Trump, closely allied with Lindsey Graham, has actively promoted Graham's campaign more than any other endorsed candidate in the midterms. Trump encouraged South Carolina voters to vote for Graham during a rally with Graham in Myrtle Beach.

Norman has been traveling across the state to make his final campaign appeal. He criticized Graham for being backed by special interests and for being inexperienced for a six-year Senate term, stating that the Senate isn't a place to learn "on the job." The winner of Tuesday's GOP runoff will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.