Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman clashed Tuesday night in a Republican runoff debate for South Carolina's U.S. Senate seat, trading attacks on each other's records while aligning on opposition to Democratic policies.

The hour-long event took place at the Newberry Opera House and was hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party in cooperation with Newsmax and moderated by Greta Van Susteren. It came one day before early voting begins in the Aug. 25 runoff, with the winner set to face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

Both candidates focused much of their time criticizing congressional Democrats. Norman highlighted Democratic resistance to funding measures during President Trump's term and accused them of favoring "total disarmament." Graham targeted progressive proposals like Medicare for All, warning that such a system would "bankrupt our country."

The candidates also exchanged direct barbs. Norman questioned Graham's lack of elected experience, calling her an "unknown candidate" despite her prior leadership of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and work in the state's Vocational Rehabilitation Department. Graham countered by accusing Norman of initially holding out on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act before Trump convinced him to support it, a claim Norman dismissed as "fake." She also jabbed at his legislative record, saying she had "done more in 20 days than you have done in 20 years" and noting he had "named a post office."

Audience reactions appeared to favor Norman, with louder applause for his responses according to reports from the event. Graham received some support from a section of the balcony but drew muted reactions to her attacks on Norman.

On foreign policy, Graham acknowledged limited knowledge when asked about the importance of Taiwan and the South China Sea to national security, stating she was "not that informed on national security" but supported the military. Both candidates positioned themselves as China hawks, backing restrictions on Chinese investment in U.S. farmland and data centers.

The debate highlighted the race's stakes in the special election to fill the seat left vacant by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, Darline Graham's brother. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to the interim role, and she received President Trump's endorsement for the full term.

Early voting starts Wednesday, with the runoff primary scheduled for Aug. 25.