Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Sen. Darline Graham announced Monday that she will seek a full term in the U.S. Senate, formally entering the special Republican primary to succeed her late brother, longtime South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Graham made the announcement during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, saying she reached the decision after consulting with family members and reflecting on her brother’s legacy.
“I’ve made a decision,” Graham said in a clip released on social media. “I’m in.”
She said she had prayed about the decision and received encouragement from her family and Lindsey Graham’s longtime Senate staff.
“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” she said. “He cared about the people of this state. I’ve worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state. I feel like I can do it.”
President Donald Trump endorsed Graham’s candidacy days before her announcement, urging her to enter the race.
“I’ve given Darline Graham my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “There would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to the Senate last week to complete the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s term, which expires in early January. She was sworn into office Tuesday, one day after her appointment.
Lindsey Graham died July 11 at age 71 after suffering what his office described as a rupture of the aorta caused by advanced hardening of the arteries. Funeral services are scheduled for July 28 in Washington and July 29 in South Carolina.
Darline Graham now enters a crowded Republican primary scheduled for Aug. 11. Among the announced candidates are U.S. Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, along with businessman Mark Lynch, who unsuccessfully challenged Lindsey Graham in the 2026 Republican primary.
Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace announced Monday that she will not enter the Senate race after speculation she might seek the seat.
“I’m not running for the U.S. Senate, not because I’m backing down from a fight, but because the one I’m already in matters now,” Mace said in a video statement, citing her legislative efforts focused on protecting women from sexual abuse.
“I’m not chasing another title; I’m chasing justice,” she added.
The filing deadline for the special election is July 28. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election, with the winner serving the remainder of the Senate term.
When accepting her appointment last week, Graham reflected on her relationship with her brother, saying, “Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him.”
Meta Description:
SEO Keywords: Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Senate race, Trump endorsement, South Carolina special election, Russell Fry, Ralph Norman, Annie Andrews
Focus Keyphrase: Darline Graham
