Trump backs Darline Graham for full Senate term in South Carolina

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he supports Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, if she chooses to run for a full term in the U.S. Senate. In a post on social media, Trump wrote that she "has been a winner all of her life" and offered his "complete and total endorsement," adding, "Run, Darline, run!"

Trump indicated that he discussed a possible campaign with Graham at the White House, and four sources familiar with the conversation said she has privately expressed interest in running. The endorsement comes as South Carolina officials and several Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, consider bids for the seat left vacant by Lindsey Graham, who died last weekend.

Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to fill the remainder of her brother’s term, which ends in January, and she described the appointment as "such an honor." The filing period for the special primary runs from July 21 to July 28, with the primary set for Aug. 11.

Sen. Tim Scott said he would not endorse any candidate while serving as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, but noted that "why not her?" could be a question for voters. Legal expert Bradley A. Smith explained that federal campaign rules limit direct transfers from Lindsey Graham’s campaign to a potential Darline Graham candidacy to $2,000, though unlimited funds could be directed to the party committee to support her campaign.

Lindsey Graham died at age 71 from an aortic tear. His funeral services are scheduled for July 28 in Washington and July 29 in South Carolina.