Donald Trump has endorsed newly appointed South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham to run for a full term, filling the seat of her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Appointed after his sudden death, she now considers entering an August 11 special primary. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Trump's endorsement could reshape a field of other potential GOP candidates.
Trump endorsement of Darline Graham
- ▪Donald Trump posted his endorsement on Truth Social with the message "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!"
- ▪Donald Trump had previously encouraged South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint Darline Graham to the interim Senate seat
- ▪The endorsement marked a shift from Donald Trump's earlier expectation that Darline Graham would serve "only on an interim basis."
- ▪Donald Trump endorsed South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham for a full Senate term on July 17, 2026
- ▪Donald Trump stated he asked Darline Graham to seek the Republican nomination during a meeting in the Oval Office
Lindsey Graham's death
- ▪Senator Lindsey Graham died at age 71 from a tear in his aorta, according to preliminary medical findings
- ▪At the time of his death, Lindsey Graham was seeking a fifth term and had already won the Republican primary
- ▪Memorial services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled for July 28 in Washington and July 29 in South Carolina
Senate succession appointment
- ▪Darline Graham was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to serve the remainder of her late brother's term, which ends in January
- ▪Darline Graham is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate and the first sister to directly succeed her brother in Congress
- ▪Shortly after being sworn in, Darline Graham co-introduced a Russia sanctions bill with Sen. Richard Blumenthal
- ▪Darline Graham was sworn into the Senate on Tuesday, July 14, 2026
August special primary election
- ▪A special primary election to select a new Republican nominee for the Senate seat is scheduled for August 11, 2026
- ▪The winner of the GOP primary will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election
- ▪If no candidate wins a majority in the primary, a runoff election will be held two weeks later
Potential Republican candidates
- ▪Potential candidates for the Republican nomination include Reps. Nancy Mace, Russell Fry, and Ralph Norman.
- ▪Businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Lindsey Graham in the June primary with 29% of the vote, plans to run in the special election
- ▪Darline Graham indicated to the White House she may be interested in running for a full term
- ▪Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said Darline Graham has had a "remarkable start."
- ▪Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and former Rep. Mark Sanford are also considered potential GOP candidates
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