President Donald Trump threw his full support behind Darline Graham on Friday, endorsing the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister for a full Senate term if she decides to enter South Carolina’s special election.
Trump announced the endorsement on social media after meeting with Darline Graham at the White House, calling her “a WINNER all of her life.”
“She has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote.
“RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”
The endorsement instantly shakes up the race to fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat following the longtime Republican lawmaker’s death last weekend.
Four people familiar with the discussions, who were not authorized to speak publicly, previously said Darline Graham had privately expressed interest in launching a campaign.
Before Trump’s announcement, the president had suggested he might support Rep. Russell Fry. Other prominent Republicans weighing bids include Fry, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
🚨 NOW: President Trump has just endorsed Lindsey Graham’s sister DARLINE GRAHAM to be elected to a FULL 6-year term as US Senate from South Carolina, following her interim appointment filling in for her late brother
“It was my Honor to welcome now Senator Darline Graham Nordone… pic.twitter.com/TktioDVhEO
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 17, 2026
Candidates have from July 21 through July 28 to file for the special Republican primary, which is scheduled for Aug. 11.
Friday also brought details for Lindsey Graham’s funeral arrangements. A memorial service will be held in Washington on July 28, followed by services in South Carolina on July 29.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham earlier this week to complete the remainder of her brother’s Senate term, which expires in January.
As she was sworn in, Darline Graham called the appointment “such an honor” while surrounded by dozens of Lindsey Graham’s longtime staff members and campaign advisers, several of whom became visibly emotional.
“Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him,” she said.
Darline Graham became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
Lindsey Graham died Saturday at age 71. A preliminary report from the medical examiner found he suffered a tear in his aorta.
Although the longtime senator never married or had children, his sister was a constant presence throughout his political career, appearing at campaign events and in several of his advertisements.
When McMaster announced her appointment on Monday, he did not describe it as a temporary or caretaker role.
Still, a person familiar with the governor’s thinking, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said McMaster did not expect Darline Graham to seek the seat herself when he selected her to fill the vacancy.
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