South Carolina GOP divided over Trump-backed Darline Graham's Senate bid
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Republican leaders in South Carolina express mixed reactions to President Trump's endorsement of Darline Graham, who was appointed to finish her brother Lindsey Graham's Senate term and is now running for a full term.
President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, for the South Carolina Senate seat she was appointed to fill after her brother's death. The endorsement has sparked a split among state Republicans, with some party officials questioning the speed of the campaign and the appearance of a "family seat" being passed down.
"The issue is that the president continues to get bad advice about South Carolina," said CJ Westfall, chair of the Dorchester County GOP, adding that the party has "a lot more exciting options for this seat."
Other GOP lawmakers described the appointment as a "backroom deal" and warned that voters might view it as a "coronation" rather than a competitive primary. State Rep. Jordan Pace, who chairs the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, noted an immediate backlash from the conservative grassroots.
Despite the criticism, Graham has entered the race with significant backing, including endorsements from Senate leaders John Barrasso, Tom Cotton and Shelley Moore Capito, as well as coordinated advertising support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Her campaign released its first ad stating she is "ready to serve."
She faces a crowded field of nine candidates, including Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Ralph Norman, former governor Mark Sanford and businessman Mark Lynch. Fry and Norman have highlighted their own conservative credentials, while Fry emphasized his loyalty to Trump.
The August 11 primary is expected to lead to a runoff, and the state GOP has scheduled a debate for the following week. Party officials say voters will ultimately decide, but the early controversy underscores ongoing tensions within South Carolina's Republican establishment.