Sen. Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC) announced Monday that she will seek a full Senate term after replacing her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, to complete his unexpired term.
“I have been praying a lot, talking to my family,” Graham told Sean Hannity. “I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes. Absolutely,” she continued. “I’ve made a decision.”
Graham has never held public office and previously worked to help people with disabilities find employment.
The filing period for the seat begins Tuesday and closes July 28. South Carolinians will vote in a special Republican primary on August 11.
Representative Ralph Norman confirmed Saturday that he is entering the race, while Representative Russell Fry announced Monday that he is also running.
The winner will face Democrat nominee Annie Andrews in November.
President Trump recently endorsed Graham with a statement: “It was my Honor to welcome now Senator Darline Graham Nordone (the sister of the late, great Lindsey Graham!) from the Wonderful State of South Carolina into the Oval Office. We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot. Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina.”
“I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026,” Trump added. “I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey.”
“Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN!” Trump concluded.
Lindsey Graham died July 11 at age 71 from a ruptured aorta due to arterial hardening, and Graham was sworn into the Senate seat on Tuesday following her appointment by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.
Graham’s funeral services are scheduled for July 28 in Washington, D.C., and July 29 in South Carolina.