Darline Graham announced she will run for the full Senate seat previously held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham.
Darline Graham confirmed she will seek the full Senate seat in South Carolina this November, following her recent appointment to serve out the remainder of her late brother’s term. The 62-year-old, who has never held elected office before, expressed "inner peace" regarding the decision after facing pressure from her family and the Republican establishment. The administration announced that President Trump would like Graham to run for the seat, and she received a swift endorsement from Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso. While Senate Majority Leader John Thune described her as a "strong candidate" without a formal endorsement, she faces competition from several other candidates, including Representative Russell Fry. Fry, a prominent MAGA supporter, officially entered the race on Monday. The special primary election is scheduled for August 11 to determine who will hold the seat for the upcoming six-year term. Filing for the race officially opens on July 21.