Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP nomination to replace her late brother in U.S. Senate

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Darline Graham won the Republican nomination to replace her late brother on South Carolina's general election ballot, notching another win for President Donald Trump after he threw his support behind the political novice.

Graham defeated U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman in Tuesday's special Republican primary runoff, two weeks after they were the top two finishers in a 10-way primary.

Despite being a political unknown, Graham bested some of South Carolina's top political names in the special election spun up after Lindsey Graham's sudden death last month. She was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to serve out the remaining months of her late brother's current term and swiftly won an endorsement from Trump, who encouraged her to enter the race for a full term and campaigned for her in the state last week.

Graham got emotional while addressing her supporters Tuesday night, saying she misses her brother every day.

WATCH: Graham and Norman make final push in South Carolina GOP Senate runoff

"The past few weeks have been an unbelievably challenging time for our family, but you know what? We did it," she said.

With McMaster, her family and U.S. Rep. William Timmons looking on, Graham went on to thank the president for his support and for the relationship he had with her brother.

"Our victory would not have been possible without you and we are truly grateful," she said.

READ MORE: Live Results: South Carolina's special Senate GOP primary runoff

On Monday, MAGA Inc., the super PAC that supports Trump and aligned Republicans — but that has spent little thus far on Trump's picks in this year's midterms — spent nearly $830,000 for voter calls and text message blasts in support of Graham.

Among the unknowns going into Tuesday was whether Trump's backing would be enough to boost the political newcomer with the famous last name, but whose political positions were previously unidentified, across the finish line to the nomination.

After losing a top Senate advocate when Lindsey Graham died July 11, Trump angled to play a role in picking his successor.

Trump heralded the selection of Darline Graham to serve as her brother's interim replacement as "a fabulous tribute." He also urged her to run in the special primary, endorsing her before she'd made her candidacy official.

WATCH: Lindsey Graham remembered for impact on South Carolina and the world