What to expect in elections in South Carolina, Georgia and Oklahoma

Voters in South Carolina, Georgia, and Oklahoma are participating in special and run-off elections to determine candidates for the November midterm elections. In South Carolina, a Republican run-off will decide who replaces the late Senator Lindsey Graham on the ballot, with his sister Darline Graham facing Representative Ralph Norman. Oklahoma is holding run-offs for governor and a US Senate seat, with significant personal spending in the gubernatorial race between Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Senator Mike Mazzei. Georgia will also hold a special election to fill a vacant congressional seat. These contests are significant as they will shape the final candidate lists for closely watched midterm races.

South Carolina's Republican Senate race has advanced to a runoff between Darline Graham and Ralph Norman, following a condensed 45-day campaign sprint. Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was appointed to his seat and subsequently decided to run for a full term with Donald Trump's backing. She will face Norman, a conservative US House member, in the August 25 runoff. The winner will compete against Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in November. The rapid campaign schedule, initiated by Lindsey Graham's death in July, has been noted as unusual by local party officials. Norman has criticized Graham's perceived lack of political experience, while Graham aims to continue her brother's legacy. Trump has actively endorsed Graham, framing her candidacy as a test of his influence on Republican voters.

Senator Darline Graham and Representative Ralph Norman are concluding their campaigns for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina. The special election is to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The runoff vote on Tuesday will determine the nominee, with President Donald Trump actively campaigning for Darline Graham, the late senator's sister. Governor Henry McMaster, who appointed Graham to an interim Senate seat, also endorsed her. Norman, a well-known congressman, is emphasizing his experience and criticizing outside spending supporting Graham. He has also questioned Graham's readiness for a six-year Senate term. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

South Carolina Republicans are heading to a special primary runoff on Tuesday to select a nominee for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The runoff features his sister, appointed Sen. Darline Graham, who received 33% of the vote in the initial special primary, and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, who garnered 25%. U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, who placed third, has endorsed Darline Graham. Key endorsements for Darline Graham include U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and former President Donald Trump. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the general election. Polls close at 7 p.m. ET, and only Republican primary voters or unaffiliated registered voters can participate. Early and absentee voting results are typically released first.

President Donald Trump will travel to South Carolina on Friday to campaign for Senator Darline Graham ahead of a Republican runoff election next week. Voters will decide between Graham and Representative Ralph Norman for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat. Trump's rally in Myrtle Beach signals the importance he places on Graham's victory, as she is his chosen candidate to replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham as interim senator at Trump's urging, and she has consistently aligned herself with Trump's policies and agenda. Graham, a political newcomer, has emphasized her commitment to Trump's priorities, including border security. The rally takes place in a conservative region of South Carolina, a state where Trump has historically found strong support.