Darline Graham, the South Carolina interim senator and sister of the late Lindsey Graham, has announced her intention to run for a full Senate term following an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. In an interview with Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, set to air in full on Monday, Graham confirmed her decision, stating, “I’m in.”
Historic Appointment and Family Legacy
Graham, 62, made history as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate when she was sworn in last week. She was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to complete the remainder of her brother’s term after his death. Lindsey Graham died earlier this month at age 71 due to what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” The chief medical examiner preliminarily ruled the cause of death as aortic dissection resulting from cardiovascular disease.
Trump Endorsement and Special Primary
On Friday, Trump publicly endorsed Darline Graham via Truth Social, writing, “I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary. Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement.” Because Lindsey Graham had already won the Republican nomination last month, the state will hold a special primary on August 11 to replace him on the ballot. Graham's decision to run sets the stage for a competitive race to retain the seat for the remainder of the term.
