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Danielle Vinson reflects on Aug. 11 special election results

Danielle Vinson, Department of Politics and International Affairs.

Last updated August 17, 2026
Published August 17, 2026


Tina T. Underwood

Following the Aug. 11 Republican special primary, Furman University’s Danielle Vinson spoke with Steve Garrison of Courthouse News Service. Darline Graham Nordone and Ralph Norman emerged as the top vote-getters in the contest precipitated by the sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Vinson, a Furman alum and professor of politics and international affairs, said both Graham and Norman could benefit from endorsements from losing candidates. Vinson speculated on the notion that Norman might levy additional criticism on his opponent ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff. But, Vinson said, that would be a risky approach. “South Carolina does not reward nasty campaigning,” she added.

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