President Donald Trump has endorsed Sen. Darline Graham in her bid to win a full term in the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. The special Republican primary to select a nominee for the August 11 election in South Carolina has drawn a crowded field, including established conservatives such as Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, as well as former Governor Mark Sanford. Despite Trump’s backing, Graham faces significant skepticism within the state’s GOP base, with many conservative activists questioning her viability given her limited political experience.
Darline Graham was appointed to the Senate earlier this month to fill the remainder of her late brother’s term. Trump initially urged that she be appointed to hold the seat for the final six months, then quickly moved to endorse her candidacy for the full six-year term. However, several key figures and grassroots conservatives in South Carolina remain unconvinced, citing her lack of a legislative record, limited name recognition, and concerns about nepotism. Lindsey Graham’s tenure had become a source of division among Trump-aligned voters, with some distrusting his moderate stances and bipartisan efforts, especially given his heavy campaign spending to fend off a primary challenge earlier this year.
Conservative activists note that the upcoming special election is expected to lead to a runoff on August 25, a scenario often dominated by highly engaged and ideologically driven voters who may prefer candidates with longer political résumés and stronger conservative credentials. CJ Westfall, chairman of the Dorchester County Republican Party, said that Trump’s influence does not carry the same weight it once did with the party’s grassroots.
Among Graham’s competitors, Rep. Ralph Norman is largely considered the frontrunner, benefiting from broader name recognition and endorsements from Republican senators including Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah. Rep. Russell Fry has backing from about 40 state Republican legislators. Both Norman and Fry have established conservative records in Congress. Meanwhile, Darline Graham has secured endorsements from some Republican senators and South Carolina Rep. William Timmons but has yet to gain public support from influential Senate leaders such as Sen. Tim Scott or Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Since her appointment, Darline Graham has sought to establish her conservative credentials by supporting legislation originally championed by her brother, including sanctions on Russia, and advocating for gun rights, abortion restrictions, law enforcement support, and limits on birthright citizenship. She told Fox News that her focus would prioritize domestic issues over national security, which had been a hallmark of her brother’s Senate career.
Some South Carolina Republicans remain critical of her candidacy, pointing to her absence from the 2024 presidential primary voter rolls and concerns about the influence of dynastic politics. Chad Walldorf, a local Republican donor and activist, acknowledged her advocacy work, particularly in disability issues, but questioned whether voters would embrace such a quick transition to a high-profile Senate role.
Trump’s endorsements have faced challenges in South Carolina and other states this year, with some of his preferred candidates failing in GOP primaries or runoffs, including the state’s June gubernatorial runoff where Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, Trump’s initial pick, was defeated by Attorney General Alan Wilson. The mixed results reflect ongoing tensions within the Republican base over the former president’s influence and decisions.
The financial support for Graham’s campaign is expected to be limited, with remaining funds from Lindsey Graham’s campaign to be partially transferred to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which will likely allocate resources cautiously. As the race enters its final phase, campaign officials and Republican insiders predict a competitive and unpredictable contest, with Darline Graham facing a difficult path to nomination.