US Elections: South Carolina, Oklahoma and Georgia Races to Watch

Special and runoff elections in three states are drawing national attention as both parties prepare for the 2026 November midterms.

Voters in South Carolina, Oklahoma and Georgia are heading to the polls for a series of special and runoff elections that could offer an early indication of the political landscape ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.

With Republicans holding narrow majorities in both the US Senate and House of Representatives, the contests are being closely watched by party leaders and political observers.

South Carolina: Republican Senate Runoff

South Carolina Republicans are returning to the polls to determine their nominee for a US Senate seat following the death of longtime Senator Lindsey Graham.

The Republican runoff features Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve the remainder of her brother’s term, and Representative Ralph Norman, a five-term congressman.

Darline Graham led the August 11 special primary with roughly 33% of the vote, while Norman received about 25%, but neither secured the majority needed to avoid a runoff.

Darline Graham has received support from President Donald Trump and Senator Tim Scott, while Norman has strong backing in parts of the state’s Upstate and Piedmont regions.

The Republican nominee will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in November.

Oklahoma: Governor’s Race Takes Centre Stage

Oklahoma Republicans are deciding their nominee for governor in a closely watched runoff to replace term-limited Governor Kevin Stitt.

The two finalists are State Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Senator Mike Mazzei.

Drummond narrowly led the June primary with 26.25%, compared with Mazzei’s 25.97%, forcing the race into a runoff.

The contest has attracted significant campaign spending. Mazzei has invested millions of dollars of his own money into his campaign and has received the endorsement of Donald Trump.

The outcome could provide another test of Trump’s influence in Republican primary contests.

The Republican nominee will face Democratic state House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson in November.

Oklahoma Senate Primary

Democrats are also choosing their nominee for a US Senate race.

Nurse N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas received about 45% in the primary but fell short of the majority required to win outright. Lawyer and minister Jim Priest finished second with around 24%.

The Democratic nominee will face Republican Representative Kevin Hern, who won his five-way primary with about 70% of the vote.

Oklahoma Ballot Measures

Voters are also considering two statewide ballot measures.

State Question 846 would amend the state constitution to require voters to provide proof of identity when casting a ballot, formalizing a requirement already established under state law.

State Question 844 concerns how local governments are reimbursed for lost property-tax revenue under a state incentive programme for manufacturing companies.

Georgia: Special Congressional Election

In Georgia, voters in the 13th Congressional District are choosing a new representative following the death of Democratic Representative David Scott in April.

The runoff is between two Democrats — Everton Blair, former chairman of the Gwinnett County School Board, and Marcye Scott, daughter of the late congressman.

Marcye Scott led the July 28 special election with approximately 46%, while Blair received about 38%.

The winner will serve the remaining months of David Scott’s current term.

Neither candidate is running for the seat’s next full term beginning January 3, meaning the result will determine only the temporary successor for the remainder of the current term.