Darline Graham, who was sworn in last week to complete the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's term, announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, that she will seek a full term for the South Carolina Senate seat her brother held for over two decades. Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11, 2026, had secured the GOP nomination in June for what would have been his fifth term representing South Carolina.

Following his death, the Republican candidate for the Senate seat will be decided in a special primary election. Republicans may file their candidacies between July 21 and July 28, ahead of the August 11 primary. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.

Darline Graham, 62, expressed confidence in her decision, saying, "I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes. Absolutely." She also shared that she has been "praying a lot, talking to my family," and acknowledged learning hard work from her brother.

President Trump publicly encouraged Graham to run for a six-year term, posting on Truth Social after meeting her at the White House that she would have his "Complete and Total Endorsement."

Other Republican candidates include Ralph Norman, who has represented South Carolina in the House since 2017 and announced his bid on Saturday, and Russell Fry, elected to the House in 2022, who announced his candidacy on Monday.

Supporters hope Darline Graham will honor her brother's legacy, with one stating, "I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey."

Sources