Republican Senate Candidates Clash on Fauci, Debt, and China in Pre-Runoff Debate
Republican U.S. Senate candidates Darline Graham and Ralph Norman participated in their only scheduled debate before the primary runoff election in Newberry, South Carolina. The candidates clashed on various issues, including their stances on former White House adviser Dr. Anthony…
Charlotte, NC, August 19, 2026 —
Republican U.S. Senate candidates Darline Graham and Ralph Norman met in Newberry, South Carolina, for their sole scheduled debate ahead of the primary runoff election.
The exchange saw the candidates diverge on several key policy areas. Discussions included their perspectives on Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former White House adviser on infectious diseases, the mounting national debt, and foreign policy challenges, with a specific focus on relations with China and the situation concerning Taiwan.
During the debate, Darline Graham acknowledged a lack of familiarity with national security matters. This admission was subsequently pointed out by Ralph Norman, who raised concerns about Graham’s preparedness for a Senate role given this perceived gap in knowledge regarding national security issues.
The debate provided voters with an opportunity to compare the candidates’ platforms and qualifications as the primary runoff election approaches.
Story summarized from the original created by Stephen Biddix on www.wbtv.com, see more information here.
