Donald Trump announced on Friday, July 17th, 2026, that he has encouraged Darline Graham to run for a full six-year term representing South Carolina in the US Senate. Darline Graham was sworn in earlier this week after the sudden death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he spoke with Darline Graham at the White House and asked her "for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary." He 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."

Darline Graham had not previously held elected office but served as a commissioner at the South Carolina commission for the blind before her appointment by Governor Henry McMaster. She had also accompanied her brother at campaign events.

Lindsey Graham, a Republican who represented South Carolina since 2003, died last Saturday, July 11th, at age 71 from what the District of Columbia medical examiner preliminarily determined was an aortic dissection. He was preparing to run for a fifth term in the November midterm elections and had won his primary last month.

The state plans to hold a special Republican primary on August 11th, 2026, to replace Lindsey Graham on the ballot. Memorial services are scheduled for July 28th in Washington and July 29th in South Carolina.

Sources