Graham replacement hopefuls make final pitches before special election: Iran war, DSA, Flock cams and more

Nine Republican candidates seeking to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s seat gathered in Florence County to deliver their closing arguments to voters. Key topics included the war with Iran, the rise of socialism, and privacy concerns related to Flock cameras. The event was one of the final opportunities for candidates to reach voters before the special Republican Senate primary on August 11.

• Nine Republican candidates participated in a “speed dating” style event in Florence County, South Carolina, to pitch their platforms.
• Candidates addressed issues such as the war with Iran, socialism, Flock camera privacy, and the Senate filibuster.
• Darline Graham, chosen to finish her brother’s term, highlighted her experience and alignment with President Trump on issues like transgender athletes and voter ID.
• Rep. Ralph Norman advocated for overhauling Senate rules to pass legislation and expressed concerns about AI data centers impacting the environment.
• Mark McBride broke with Trump on the Iran war, stating the U.S. needs to end it now, while Sam Shepherd claimed to be more conservative than Trump and highlighted his patent count.
• Rep. Russell Fry linked affordability issues to regulations and criticized Biden’s border policies, praising Trump’s work ethic.
• Former Gov. Mark Sanford focused on the ballooning national debt and its impact on the American dream, citing the rising average age to buy a home.
• Mark Lynch opposed abortion and refused funding from AIPAC, while Danny Ford II raised concerns about Flock cameras and data centers.
• Glenda Gail Parker advocated for reducing fossil fuel consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources.