POST PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION NIGHT coverage and Lindsey Graham

In this episode, we let you hear both the concession speech of Congressman Ralph Norman and the victory speech of Senator Darline Graham Nordone. Plus we pay tribute to the former Senator who passed away on July 11, 2026, Lindsey Graham, a giant in South Carolina history and a man who will be sorely missed, he was the best friend to the 7th District of South Carolina. 

The winner of this race will have big shoes to fill. 

Transcript

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SPEAKER_01 0:08

Welcome everybody to this post-election edition of Grand Scram Politics. The race now over. With Senator Darling uh Graham Nordown winning. She ended up statewide with 52.4% of the vote over Ralph Norman, who got 47.6. Graham added roughly about 20 percentage points to her first round share while Norman added about 23 points. He really did consolidate his vote across the upstate, but she won Orie County. She consolidated her own support across the state other than in the upstate. But in Orie County, she got something like 73% of the vote. It was just an incredible showing in Orie County. Let me see if I can find this for you here in Orie County. The first time around, uh Russell Fry got 42.2%. And Darlene Graham Nordone got 35.3%. And Ralph Norman got 8.5%. This is in Orie County in this runoff. And I I had told uh you know in our in our article in Subsect that I thought Orie County was the county to watch, uh, and that uh you know when you start looking at uh the the strength that Russell Fry had here uh and and that he endorsed her, but that a lot of those those votes may have been Lindsey Graham votes to start with. Well, they all came back home in Orie County. 73.3% for Graham to Norman's 26.7%. Uh Graham got uh 26,459 votes. Norman got 99,618. Uh the margin was sixteen thousand eight hundred and forty-one. So that is a staggering number. Uh and so Russell Fry delivered here in Oree County, and I think a lot of those votes uh that Russell Fry had and that Darlene Graham had, they were first and second in Oree County and first and second throughout the 7th district, was really the Lindsey Graham vote uh divided. But that's uh an opinion. But anyway, tonight it is Darlene Graham Nordown's night. She won uh the race, and we're gonna go and let you hear first from Ralph Norman in Rock Hill, where he was at today as he concedes the race uh to Darlene Graham here uh earlier this evening.

SPEAKER_05 2:42

First of all, I want to thank everybody for taking the time to come out. This is a huge um support that we will always be appreciative of, people that drove for a long way. Um let me get my family up here. Folks, um, it did it didn't. So we were at the family together and we said, you know, uh I couldn't have done anything different. I really could not have worked any harder. All of us. We we really could. We did everything we knew to do. Um and it's such a privilege to be able to run and um offer yourself up a public service. And you know, um I I did not prepare a concession speech, I'll tell you. That was not in the cards. But you know, you you when you sign up, you either you can win or you can lose. I take that, I took that risk. And um it it did turn out we follow the Patriots that really stood up for me John Frederickson, Mark Sanford, Dan Bishop, Pat Harrigan, Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Nikki Haley, and so many others that just came to Adam Morgan and Megan, and uh I don't want to leave people out, but I hate it for the state. I really hate it for the state. I don't I don't hate it for me, I don't hate it for the family, we're gonna be fine. But we we did this for service, and I hate it for the state. But the the the public South Carolina made the decision. Uh we had eight million dollars spent against us. I couldn't, we couldn't come up with that much money. Um but people were great to me. All of our money came from South Carolina and from my personal account. The other my opponents, the money came from outside PACs. I mean, it's it's a fact. I'm not being critical. It's just the PACs that were against um to me, freedom. Uh it's Democrats. They wanted their, they got what they wanted. I get that. Um but you know, the you know, the president got involved. He has that right. That's his uh prerogative. As I told I I never well, you know his his policies are good. I never understood why he got in this race to be, you know, but it is it is what it is, and um I'll accept it. We will something good, and I've always said something good will come out of out of this. I don't know what it is, but something something good will come out of it. Um so I think the the we'll move on. I'll help this state in any way I can. But we could have we could have broken the chain of so many things in a good way. But um, but I accept it and uh don't like it, but I accept it, and I appreciate the people who got involved with us, and I will forever be grateful for each one of y'all that uh supported us. You put up signs, my congressional staff, my my I'm on the staff that I'm all the campaign staff. I mean they put up signs, uh Alan. You I mean everybody just did what they did what they said, and uh I will come off when I get through this. I'm calling congratulator. And as I said earlier, I'm not support Republic Republican. I'm not a supporter Democrat. So I will support uh um her as Darling as best I can. And um and as I as I tell my and I tell I tell my family I've I've um you know there won't be won't be any tears at all because we did ever we knew we did everything we could do. So uh we'll live to fight another day. Uh I want to see this, uh I care about South Carolina, I want to see it as free of a state as we can get it, and who knows what will come out of all this. So uh thank all of you for what you've done and for what we will do together. And uh, you know, uh it's my role may be in it will be in something else. It won't be in the political arena. But um, but but you know, we tried, we did what we could, and uh that's that's the real I will tell you one thing.

SPEAKER_11 7:39

When we found out that we lost, Ralph said a prayer, and we need more of that.

SPEAKER_05 7:53

Uh you know, one of the things that lifted lifted me up, and the whole family really, the people who called me who were saying prayers, I mean, this was a prayer crusade of a campaign. And so um I um I I took uh I took a lot of uh solace in that, and I always will. Uh, you know, it's faith, family, and freedom. That's what it's about. So y'all um I I don't know whether we have any food left or any drinks, but if we do, you help yourself. Y'all are the true patriots. You are the true patriots in in this state. And um, again, I can't uh I'm honored to be a part of this. I'm honored that y'all would help our family. You're a part of our bigger family, and you really are. So um Godspeed to everybody. Thank you for what you're doing. We're always uh again grateful for the ones that put your time, your tithe, and your talent toward making this a real reality. It did work out, but something else good will come of it. So Godspeed all of you. Thank you.

SPEAKER_01 9:01

That is Congressman Ralph Norman uh conceding the race tonight. Uh, you know, I think he makes a couple of really good points. Eight million dollars is a lot of money. You couldn't turn a TV set on or or look at the internet without an ad uh that was hitting him uh throughout this campaign. So he he does make a good point about the insurmountability of having eight million dollars spent against you. Uh, you know, and I also kind of have to say I uh it's a mystery to me going back to uh the very beginning why President Trump decided to be involved in this race, considering that uh of all ten candidates were by and large pro-Trump, there might have been one or two that were not in the in that field of Republican candidates. I'm not real sure why he decided to endorse, but that's certainly like Mr. Norman said his prerogative, and he did it, and he most likely was out of some level of loyalty to Lindsey Graham. Because Lindsey Graham himself, we got an interview with him that's gonna air on uh a show later on in the year. We get close to the end of the year, and I had it was a long interview from C-SPAN, but he talks about Darlene and her stepping up, uh that she'd be a formidable candidate in her own right, and uh uh she has proven to be. Uh so uh it may have been the president honoring that uh that wish that he knew that Lindsey Graham had made at one point early on. Not so much that he ever thought he was gonna pass away like this, but just that he had an high opinion of his sister, and uh, here she was in the Senate, thanks to Henry Master. And uh, you know, I guess it's a mystery to me. Uh President Trump uh deciding to get involved in the race, and uh and I can understand why Ralph Norman, who is supportive of the President's agenda, would be upset about that. Uh so I didn't think there was anything wrong with him stating that tonight. I think Darling Graham's gonna do a good job. Um she's gotten more impressive with each day of this campaign, and considering that she was coming from uh uh just being just a regular person going on about her business to have being a United States Senator, to being a United States Senate candidate to in a one-on-one race with a 20-year incumbent. Uh, I think uh with each address she's gotten better at it. And I think that's a good omen, and I think uh she's gonna get a little break before the general election really takes off that uh that she's gonna she's gonna be very formidable. So we've got here her victory speech. Uh before we go to it, I do want to say this. This is gonna be uh we're gonna take a little bit of a break um with season four and start back with a general election for both the governor and uh some of the constitutional offices that the attorney general is up, along with the Senate seat. So it's gonna be an interesting fall. But we're gonna get a little break here uh for a few days after this on Grand Strand politics. So um we'll be back with the rest of season five. And it's really been we've produced almost a full season of shows between my two shows, uh during a time when we had planned to take a little bit of a hiatus from all the podcasting um because of Senator Graham's passing. Uh uh tributes to him covering his funeral, then covering this election. We've put out a lot of work in just about five or six weeks that we had no plans to do uh going into this. So um we're we're gonna look forward to getting that break-in that we were uh gonna do before we start production on a lot of different things and covering uh this election. Um and uh so it seems hard to underst to believe that Lindsay Graham is not with us any longer. Uh we've really lost the giant, and you're gonna hear her talk about him. But she's right, this entire state has grieved over the last six or seven weeks. The passing of would have been I can't speak for the rest of the state, but I can tell you for Oregon County, he was the best friend Oregon County ever had for helping us with our different projects from the air term the airport terminal, beach for nourishment, Stormwater Ocean outfalls, a nursing program at the colleges, uh investments in both colleges, Oregon Georgetown, Tech and Coastal Carolina, working on Permanent Fry 73, you know, dredging the uh the uh Charleston port. Uh Lindsey Graham has been there, a champion for Orie County. Um Charleston's obviously not in Orie County, but just a champion for these projects to help local and state government uh to remain competitive. And Lindsey Graham will be missed tremendously. But uh I've got a lot of faith in Darlene Graham. She won tonight. We're gonna go down there and listen to her uh her acceptance speech as she gets ready to take on Dr. Annie Andrews this fall. And we'll be here to cover it on Grand Strand Politics when we get to it this fall. Here's Senator Darlene Graham.

SPEAKER_12 14:33

I humbly accept your nominations. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. First, I want to thank the good Lord who got us through these past few weeks and gave me and my family the strength to keep going. I continue to miss Lindsay every day, and there is still a big hole in my heart. But I know he's looking down right now, very proud of everyone missing. I want to thank President Trump for all of his support and his endorsement. Mr. President, Lindsay truly loved you and viewed you as one of his closest friends. I appreciate that bond and appreciate all that you've done for our country. Our victory would not have been possible without you, and we are truly grateful. I also want to thank Senator Tim Scott and Governor Henry Master. Congressman Cotton, Congressman William Tim. Jeannie Honecock, Cody Simpson. And so many more Republican officials and candidates from across our state for their support. Politics is a team sport, and without you, we would not have won. All of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much. Now I want to thank Team Graham, who have worked so very hard. And through your own grief and tears, I know I could not have done it without you. You are truly amazing. You are the gold standard when it comes to helping people in South Carolina. Thank you for your service. To every volunteer who knocked on doors, made calls, and put up yard signs in the unbearable August heat. Thank you. Campaigns are won on the ground, one conversation at a time, and you did that work. This victory would not have been possible without you. Now I want to thank my family. Larry, Nicole, Emily, Kyle, and my grandson Copeland, who's home in bed tonight, right now, for standing with me. And most importantly, I want to thank everyone who prayed for me and voted for me today. So thank you all. I have mixed emotions right now. Um I'm still feeling grief, heartache, and immense gratitude. So thank you all again. During the past several weeks, I've been amazed at the number of people Lindsay personally impacted and the legacy he left behind. Our state and nation are much better and safer because of him. Thank you, Lindsay, for your service to South Carolina and to this country. It's just not the same without you here. Running for office is not an easy endeavor. I have learned that the hard way. I admire and appreciate your willingness to serve. As South Carolina Republicans, we are part of a large and sometimes disagreeable family of conservative voices, right? But we know that our family squabbles are minor compared to the major differences we have with our democratic opponents. That's right. If you supported another candidate in this primary, please know that I will work hard to earn your trust and your support. People are moving to South Carolina in droves to get away from the blue state policies of the Democratic Socialist. Tonight is a great victory, but it's not the finish line. In fact, it is the starting line for an even bigger fight which lies ahead. Liberals believe if they can defeat conservatives in South Carolina, then they can defeat us anywhere. Once again, they're coming for us, and the South Carolina values we hold dear. For those who are not aware, you need to know that my Democratic opponent, Dr. Annie Andrews, is the most radical liberal ever nominated for a statewide office by the South Carolina Democratic Party. Her views are those of Bernie Sanders and AOC. If you liked Kamala Harris for president, you're gonna love Dr. Annie Andrews. No person in South Carolina has pushed harder for the absolutely terrible idea of turning confused little boys into little girls and vice versa than Annie Andrews. Gun control, government-run health care, abortion until the moment of birth, bad idea after bad idea. Annie Andrews backs them all. If they were sick, they had to get up and go to work because if the doors weren't open, we weren't making money. My mother passed away when I was eleven, and my father left over a year later. For the past 30 years, I've worked hard for the people of South Carolina. And for the past seven years, I've led a state agency. And I understand the struggles facing South Carolina families because I've faced them too. As your senator, I will continue to work to grow our economy and put South Carolina families first. But I cannot do it without your help. We learned earlier today that my Democrat socialist opponent is launching a massive advertising effort tomorrow morning, funded by a blue wave of cash from outside South Carolina. So we don't have time to waste. Go to darlinggram.com to join the team. You know what? I was doing there channeling a little bit of Lindsay, right? DarlenGram.com. But you can uh volunteer or donate for the cause. Please give $10 or $15, darlinggrab.com, so we can go fight that. Finally, South Carolina has walked a difficult path this year. We lost a giant in Lindsay. We've grieved as a family, and we've all grieved together as a state, haven't we? But tonight, you know what? We stand back up the way South Carolinians have done and look forward to the future. South Carolina was founded by fighters, and we are fighters. We will fight for South Carolina with everything we have. So to every Republican, every independent, and every South Carolinian, the battle lies ahead. Join us in this fight. God bless South Carolina and God bless the greatest country in the history of the world, the United States of America.

SPEAKER_01 24:37

Thanking her brother and remembering him. And uh and also thanking so many of the people that helped her in the campaign. And I want to say this simply to say a thank you to Ralph Norman, the congressman, uh, tonight, who offered himself up and didn't win. He's he's been on the campaign trail a whole year running for governor and for this office, and he needs to be commended for a job well done. It didn't work out, but uh Ralph Norman uh ran a really good campaign. And uh before we leave, I thought we'd take a look back at the legendary figure we lost this year. As we head off for a little hiatus at the end of this of this covering all of this material. Here's a look back at Senator Lindsey Graham, a political giant.

SPEAKER_09 25:27

South Carolina has lost one of its greatest champions. The business community has lost a fighter, and we have all lost a friend. Lindsey Graham, our senator, embodied so much of what makes South Carolina special: hard work, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to service. Throughout his career in the military, the State House, Congress, and the United States Senate, one thing never changed. His love for the state and nation that depended on his leadership. Senator Graham famously grew up above a pool hall. And as his influence grew around the country and around the world, his voice had an impact far beyond the halls of the U.S. Capitol. As he traveled the world and advanced America's interests, he remained anchored by the values instilled in him right here. When the business community called on Senator Graham, he answered. Senator Graham knew that a strong business climate means stronger communities, better jobs, and greater opportunity for every South Carolinian. He came to listen to employers and employees toward facilities and endeavored to understand the challenges they faced. He strengthened our infrastructure, from our ports to our roads and bridges, and celebrated when we celebrated. Because Senator Graham knew whether a new business was opening or a great corporate citizen was expanding, we all have a stake in South Carolina's success. And for that matter, in the success of the country we love and the world in which we lead. Listening, learning, and taking action defined Senator Graham's service. Thank you, Senator Graham.

SPEAKER_00 27:12

Lindsay O'Griham, an American original.

SPEAKER_02 27:22

Don't take it for granted. Don't take relationships for granted.

SPEAKER_09 27:27

The political world mourning the sudden and shocking loss of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham.

SPEAKER_07 27:33

America's loss of statesman, but uh more importantly, I've lost a friend.

SPEAKER_03 27:36

Lindsay was just a powerful force for good. I would never do to them what you've done to this guy. This is the most unethical sham since I've been in politics. And if you really wanted to know the truth, you sure as hell wouldn't have done what you've done to this guy.

SPEAKER_08 27:55

He was focused on the long-term successes of our country and on our foreign policy. 33 years of service in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. He was just so dedicated to this country, to South Carolina, to the U.S. Senate, to freedom.

SPEAKER_06 28:10

I met Lindsay Graham about a dozen years ago when I was serving in Afghanistan, but then over the years he's given me a lot of advice on how to be an effective United States Senator. He was a one in a million, someone who can laugh at himself and uh was a cut-up, had a great wit, and a great sense of humor.

SPEAKER_13 28:27

People in the Mideast want the same thing you want. They've got the same technology you do now that I have, because Trump gave out my number. I just asked you where you're at on Christmas. You know, like all Jews, I was probably in a Chinese restaurant. Please move to South Carolina. Good God, look who we're running against. The number one candidate on the other side because she was flat broke after her and her husband were in the White House for eight years. The number two guy went to the Soviet Union on his honeymoon, and I don't think he never came back. If we don't beat these people, you have anything to drink yet?

SPEAKER_07 29:06

Does anybody in this room you think anything to drink yet?

SPEAKER_03 29:09

I do better with people who drink. Yeah, the more you drink, the more this will make sense to you. You can see we're not taking the country.

SPEAKER_10 29:18

While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life defined by service and love of country.

SPEAKER_07 29:28

But I am comforted by the knowledge that in the end he has just changed his address. And that one day, Mr. President, we will laugh together again.

SPEAKER_03 29:44

I learned that serving a cause greater than yourself hurts. Anybody in the military can tell you the risk you take. Principle and compromise are not mutually exclusive and the foundation of a great person as well as great nation. If you want to help me, join the march.