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Graham seeks full term
Sen. Darline Graham said Monday that she will seek a full six-year Senate term for the South Carolina seat held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11.
Graham, 62, was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to serve out the remainder of the term through early January, and she told Fox News, "I've made a decision," adding, "I'm in."
President Donald Trump publicly encouraged Graham to run, writing in a Truth Social post that she would have his "Complete and Total Endorsement," after meeting with her at the White House last week.
The special primary election to replace Lindsey Graham on the November ballot is set for Aug. 11, with a runoff scheduled for Aug. 25 if no candidate secures a majority of the vote.
Thune, Barrasso weigh in
CNN reported that multiple influential South Carolina Republicans told it the initial reports last week that Darline Graham planned to seek a full Senate term came as a surprise, with a source saying McMaster was not under the impression she would run for a full term.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told CNN he is not endorsing Darline Graham at this time but called her "strong candidate," saying, "She obviously carries on Lindsey's legacy."
Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso, however, backed Graham on Monday, telling CNN, "Darline Graham is an excellent senator," and adding, "She'll continue to be an excellent senator, and she has my full support."
CNN also said Graham has not previously held elected office and that she was appointed by McMaster to serve until January 2027, while a special primary election will take place August 11 for the upcoming six-year term.
Race timeline and challengers
Roll Call said Darline Graham’s entry sets up a potential battle with House Republicans Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, with Fry telling Fox News host Sean Hannity, "I’m in," and announcing his run for the Aug. 11 special election Republican primary.
Roll Call reported that filing for the primary opening at noon on Tuesday could bring more contenders, including former Gov. Mark Sanford and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and it said attorney Duke Buckner and businessman Mark Lynch also launched bids.
The same Roll Call account said the filing deadline to run in the special primary is July 28, the same day as Graham’s funeral in Washington, and it said the winner of the GOP primary will face the Democratic Senate nominee, pediatrician Annie Andrews, in November.
CNN added that Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso backed Graham while Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to endorse her, and it said Graham is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.
