South Carolina GOP Senate hopefuls face first debate in Graham race
What's next: The televised debate gives lesser-known contenders, especially Rep. Russell Fry, a chance to raise their profile before the primary.
Republican candidates seeking South Carolina's vacant U.S. Senate seat meet Monday for their first debate, an early test in the race to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Nearly 10 candidates have entered, but the field's best-known contenders include appointed Sen. Darline Graham, Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, former Gov. Mark Sanford and past Graham challenger Mark Lynch. Darline Graham carries her family's name and President Donald Trump's endorsement, while Norman and Sanford bring broader statewide recognition. Fry enters with less statewide infrastructure, making the debate a key chance to break through with primary voters as campaign mail and digital outreach ramp up.