Trump-backed Darline Graham Enters South Carolina Senate Race, Challenging Democrat Annie Andrews
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Former Senator Lindsey Graham's death opened a South Carolina Senate seat, prompting his sister Darline Graham to run with President Trump's endorsement, while Democrat Annie Andrews assesses her prospects amid a crowded GOP primary.
South Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat has taken on new dynamics after the death of longtime Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11. His sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed interim senator, announced on Monday that she will seek a full six-year term, citing President Donald Trump's encouragement and endorsement.
"Today, I’m stepping forward to carry my brother Lindsey’s legacy on behalf of the people of South Carolina. President Trump told me, 'Run, Darline, Run.' With his support, I'm running all the way through the finish line in November," Darline Graham posted on X.
The development reshapes a Republican field that already included Representatives Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, as well as other candidates who had begun campaigning for the special election scheduled for August 11, with a possible runoff on August 25. Former U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace withdrew from the race on Monday, narrowing the pool of high-profile contenders.
Democratic candidate Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, said the changes affect only the Republican side of the contest. "The events of this weekend changed who I'm running against, but it didn't change who I'm running for," she told Newsweek. Andrews' campaign continues to target independents, suburban voters and moderate Republicans, noting a June internal poll that showed a narrower gap between her and Lindsey Graham before his death.
Political analysts note that South Carolina remains a strongly Republican state; the last Democratic senator was elected in 1998 and the state has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1976. Prediction markets still assign an 80-plus percent probability to a GOP win. However, experts say Andrews' chances could improve if the Republican primary becomes highly contested, draining resources and exposing intra-party divisions.
Darline Graham now benefits from both the Graham family name and Trump's endorsement, and has quickly secured support from Sen. Tom Cotton and a favorable comment from Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The outcome of the Republican primary will likely determine the level of competition Andrews faces in the November election.