GOP Senate Candidates Outline Platforms at South Carolina Forum

Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 1, 2026 —

Nine Republican candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat recently held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham gathered for a forum at River Bluff High School in Lexington, South Carolina. The event took place just days before the commencement of early voting in the state.

The forum provided a platform for the candidates to articulate their policy positions to an audience of over 400 attendees. Students from the high school also had the opportunity to pose questions to the prospective senators.

Discussions during the event centered on several key issues, including immigration, federal spending, and foreign policy. Candidates presented a range of viewpoints, particularly concerning potential intervention in Iran.

Following the candidates’ presentations, a straw poll was conducted among attendees. The results indicated that Darline Graham, Russell Fry, and Ralph Norman received the highest number of votes.

In addition to the forum, five candidates were selected to advance to a televised debate, offering another opportunity for voters to assess their qualifications and platforms.

Story summarized from the original created by Jessica Holdman on scdailygazette.com, see more information here.

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