President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Darline Graham to run for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. The president announced his support on social media Friday, declaring that she “has been a WINNER all of her life” and encouraging her to launch a campaign to serve a full term in the chamber.
Trump’s Endorsement and the Shift in the Senate Race
The president’s public backing significantly alters the field for the upcoming special primary. Before this announcement, President Trump had signaled he might support a bid from Rep. Russell Fry. The race to replace the late senator has drawn interest from several prominent South Carolina political figures, including Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. The filing period for the special primary is set for July 21 through July 28, with the primary election scheduled for August 11.
Interim Appointment and Political Background
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to fill the remainder of her brother’s term, which concludes in January. While a person familiar with the governor’s thinking stated that McMaster had not contemplated her running for the seat when making the appointment, Darline Graham has begun her interim tenure as the first woman to represent the state in the Senate. She was sworn in following the death of Lindsey Graham, who died Saturday at age 71 after suffering a tear in his aorta. A funeral service is planned for July 28 in Washington, with additional services in South Carolina on July 29.
Campaign Finance and Party Coordination
Should Darline Graham pursue a full term, she faces specific federal election hurdles regarding her brother’s remaining campaign funds. According to Bradley A. Smith, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission and professor at Capital University Law School, the late senator’s campaign is limited to a $2,000 transfer to a potential candidacy by his sister. However, Smith noted that the campaign can transfer unlimited funds to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Following a recent Supreme Court decision, the committee could then spend unlimited amounts in coordination with her campaign, ensuring she is “not short of cash,” according to Smith.
Legislative Implications and Future Support
The move to support Darline Graham may signal an effort by the president to secure an ally in the Senate. Although the siblings had a complex relationship, Lindsey Graham was a frequent confidant of the president, who described him as “like a member of the family” following his death. Sen. Tim Scott, who serves as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has declined to offer a formal endorsement at this time. However, speaking as a South Carolina voter, Scott expressed support for her entry into the race, telling reporters, “‘Why not her?’ would be my question.”