South Carolina Republicans set to elect replacement for late senator Lindsey Graham

COLUMBIA, South Carolina — Just two months after nominating pro-Israel stalwart Lindsey Graham to return to the US Senate, South Carolina Republicans are casting ballots today in a special primary to pick a replacement following the sudden death of the president’s close ally.

Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, a political unknown tapped to serve out the final months of her brother’s term, is trying to overcome skepticism about her lack of experience in her campaign to replace him. She picked up US President Donald Trump’s swift endorsement, though the rare open Senate seat has attracted a broad field, including some of the state’s top Republicans.

For decades, South Carolina voters have reliably returned Lindsey Graham to Washington despite periodic primary challengers who accused the dealmaker and foreign policy hawk of being insufficiently conservative.

Tuesday’s contest features one of Lindsey Graham’s foes from earlier this year, as well as two US House members, as well as Mark Sanford, the former governor and congressman who is seeking a political comeback in a field crowded with familiar faces.