Darline Graham Announces Candidacy for Late Brother's Senate Seat

Senator Darline Graham said Monday she will seek a full term in the Senate seat formerly held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. The announcement came during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, where she confirmed her decision to run.

Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham last week to serve the remainder of the term, which ends in January. Her entry into the Republican primary, scheduled for Aug. 11, adds a new dimension to a filing period that opens Tuesday.

President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Graham, stating he gives her his “complete and total endorsement” and urging her to run.

Before Graham’s candidacy was announced, Trump had hinted at supporting Rep. Russell Fry, who also plans to enter the special primary. Other potential contenders include Rep. Ralph Norman and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, while Rep. Nancy Mace said she will not run.

Graham told Hannity that she has been praying about her new role and described the situation as a “tremendous amount of pressure.” She added that she learned to work hard from her brother and feels “inner peace” about the decision, acknowledging that the campaign will be challenging.

Lindsey Graham’s funeral services are set for next week in Washington and South Carolina. A preliminary medical examiner report indicated he died from an aortic tear.

According to former FEC chairman Bradley A. Smith, the millions in Lindsey Graham’s campaign account cannot be directly transferred to Darline Graham’s campaign beyond a $2,000 limit. However, unlimited funds may be moved to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which can coordinate spending with her campaign under a recent Supreme Court ruling.