Candidates for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham participated in a debate hosted by Gray Television at the studios of WIS-TV in downtown Columbia on Aug. 3, 2026. The five leading Republican candidates delivered initial pitches amid limited daylight. Donald Trump was praised as a great president, while all agreed on the need to address illegal immigration, federal spending, and the high cost of living. The debate revealed little disagreement on policy positions, but differences emerged on how to act on them.

Sen. Russell Fry, 41, a former state lawmaker from Surfside Beach, called for a new generation of leadership. Hard‑line House Freedom Caucus member Ralph Norman presented himself as an uncompromising conservative. Mark Lynch, who lost his primary by a near 30‑point defeat last June, criticized the status quo on immigration. Former Gov. Mark Sanford highlighted his independent streak, saying he had voted with President Trump 90 percent of the time but would disagree when necessary.

The most scrutinized candidate was incumbent Sen. Darline Graham, Lindsey’s sister, who pledged to be a different type of representative. She echoed her brother on the war in Iran, saying the country has nuclear weapons capabilities. She split with her brother only on the filibuster, saying Republicans should eliminate it, saying “Eventually the Democrats are going to get rid of it anyway.” She also said she is 100 percent behind the president’s agenda and praised Trump’s endorsement.

All eyes were on Darline Graham as the only opportunity for voters to see the five candidates together before the Aug. 11 primary. A second debate is scheduled for Aug. 4 but she is unlikely to attend due to Washington commitments. Her first public remarks were brief and largely boilerplate, reflecting her cautious campaign strategy.