Trump backs Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate special primary

Sen. Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, was appointed interim U.S. senator for South Carolina after her brother's sudden death. President Donald Trump met with her at the White House and publicly urged her to run for the full Senate term in the upcoming special Republican primary on Aug. 11, 2026, offering his "complete and total endorsement." Trump posted on Truth Social, "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!" and described her as a "winner all her life." The filing period for the primary runs July 21‑28, and several other South Carolina Republicans, including Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, are also considering bids. Graham's appointment makes her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate, and her potential candidacy could shape the party's lineup for the November election.