Following the passing of longtime South Carolina U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11, 2026, President Donald Trump endorsed his sister, newly appointed Senator Darline Graham, urging her to run for a full term in the upcoming Republican primary.
After Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to complete her late brother’s term, Trump publicly backed her candidacy, calling on her to carry forward Lindsey Graham’s political legacy.
Key Highlights of the South Carolina Senate Race
-
Interim Appointment: Following Senator Lindsey Graham's passing, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to fill the vacant Senate seat through January 2027.
-
Presidential Backing: President Donald Trump posted an endorsement calling for Darline Graham to enter the primary race, declaring: "Run, Darline, Run!"
-
Full-Term Campaign: Darline Graham announced her candidacy for the full six-year Senate term, entering a primary contest alongside multiple South Carolina Republican candidates.
Background and Context
Darline Graham previously served as the Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Sworn in on July 14, 2026, she became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate and the first sibling to succeed a late brother in the chamber.
Her platform centers on continuing her brother’s national security priorities and maintaining a close working relationship with the White House.