Gowdy Tops SC Senate Poll Despite Saying He’s Not Interested

A Peak Insights poll of 900 likely GOP primary voters for South Carolina's special election to replace Lindsey Graham shows former Rep. Trey Gowdy leading at 38%, with Ralph Norman 13%, Russell Fry 9%, Darline Graham 9%, and Mark Lynch 7% (before any candidates formally entered). Gowdy has repeatedly said he isn't interested, but the results suggest he'd be a strong frontrunner if he ran; Trump's endorsement of Darline Graham would lift her to about 16% while Gowdy would fall to 35%, underscoring the race as a test of Trump's influence and NRSC recruitment efforts led by Tim Scott.