Sen. Darline Graham has formally announced her candidacy for a full six-year term representing South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. Graham, who is currently completing the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term following his passing on July 11, made the declaration during an interview on July 20.
Her decision follows a high-profile endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who publicly urged her to enter the race and offered his “complete and total endorsement” in a Truth Social post on July 17. Trump described Graham as a “winner all of her life” and expressed hope that she would honor her late brother’s legacy by pursuing the seat.
Sen. Darline Graham, 62, is the first woman to serve as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina. She has spent nearly three decades working in disability services and workforce development, emphasizing her connection to the state and its residents. Upon accepting the appointment to fill Lindsey Graham’s seat on July 14, she acknowledged their close familial bond—her brother had legally adopted her after they both lost their parents during her childhood. “Lindsey has always been there for me. And now I will be there for him,” she said.
Graham cited prayer, family discussions, and support from her brother’s Senate staff as factors in her decision to run in the upcoming special primary. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but said she feels “an inner peace” about seeking a full term. “I’ve worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state. I feel like I can do it,” she said.
The special Republican primary is scheduled for August 11, with candidates required to file by July 28. Alongside Graham, several Republicans have announced their intention to run, including U.S. Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, as well as businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Lindsey Graham in the June primary. Representative Nancy Mace, who had been rumored to consider running, announced on July 21 that she will not seek the seat.
Graham has garnered support from Senate colleagues who view her as a capable successor. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas praised her as a “principled conservative leader and a strong advocate for South Carolina families.” Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who escorted Graham during her swearing-in ceremony, questioned why she would not pursue the seat herself.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election this November, as South Carolina voters prepare to fill the seat once held by Lindsey Graham for more than two decades.