Darline Graham launches Senate campaign, pledges to advance Trump agenda

Republican Darline Graham, appointed to temporarily fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by her brother Lindsey Graham’s death, held her first major campaign event in Lexington, South Carolina. She told a crowd of Republicans, “I’ve never had any desire to be a politician. I’m here today because I’m answering President Trump’s call to serve. I want to stand up for South Carolina, and I want to fight for President Trump’s agenda.”

Graham entered a crowded Republican primary that requires a runoff if no candidate exceeds 50% of the vote. Her rivals include U.S. Representatives Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, former governor Mark Sanford and businessman Mark Lynch. She also appeared on Fox News, noting a focus on “affordability” for struggling families, a point where she said she may differ from Trump. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November 3 general election.