South Carolina’s Republican Senate nominee likely to be pro-Israel, but no match for Lindsey Graham

A crowded Republican primary in South Carolina is underway to fill the US Senate seat previously held by the late Lindsey Graham, a staunch pro-Israel advocate. While the eventual nominee is expected to support Israel, matching Graham's extensive foreign policy focus and influence on Middle Eastern affairs will be challenging. Political science professor Scott Huffmon noted, "He viewed peace in the Middle East through the lens of a protected Israel."

• Darline Graham, the late senator's sister, was appointed to complete his term and quickly secured former President Trump's endorsement, despite limited policy experience.
• Her main challengers include Congressmen Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, along with former Congressman Mark Sanford and businessman Mark Lynch.
• Key campaign issues for the candidates largely revolve around the "SAVE America Act," border security, fiscal conservatism, and military strength, with Israel being a "threshold issue" rather than a top priority for voters.
• An Emerson College poll indicated that only 3.5% of GOP primary voters prioritized foreign policy, while 59.5% focused on the economy.