Darline Graham’s primary challenge and Trump shifts to ‘low-keying’ it with Iran: Morning Rundown

Morning RundownDarline Graham’s primary challenge and Trump shifts to ‘low-keying’ it with Iran: Morning RundownPlus, wildfires across the U.S. strain national resources and the eye doctor operating in one of the world’s most dangerous regions.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00A woman walks past a mural depicting Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei at Valiasr Square in central Tehran on Saturday. Atta Kenare / AFP via Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleAug. 10, 2026, 7:01 AM EDTBy Kayla HayempourDarline Graham faces an uphill battle in the race for her late brother Lindsey’s Senate seat. Trump signals a shift to economic pressure as the Iran war keeps drifting. And nearly 100 fires across the U.S. strain firefighting resources.Here’s what to know today.Trump’s endorsement may not be enough for Darline Graham to win her brother’s seatRalph Norman; Darline Graham.USA Today Network; Getty ImagesDespite President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham, tomorrow’s Republican primary to replace her late brother Lindsey on the November ballot is likely headed to a runoff.  This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.Multiple sources told NBC News they predict the runoff will be between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, who ran unsuccessfully for governor this year. The matchup could be an uphill climb for Graham, who has never held elected office before now and had a short window to introduce herself to voters. The South Carolina race is also another test of the president’s power. He remains popular in the state, but the GOP base has shown an independent streak. Trump’s endorsement could backfire in a runoff, one person said: “Norman just spent millions raising his name ID in the governor’s race. And South Carolinians are too independent to accept a coronation.”Here’s what else to know.More politics news:Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she hasn’t ruled out a potential run for pres...