Darline Graham Steps Into Senate Seat After Brother’s Death Amid Trump Endorsement

By Brian Freeman | Monday, 20 July 2026 04:38 PM EDT
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., announced Monday that she will seek a full Senate term, entering next month’s Republican special primary just days after receiving President Donald Trump’s endorsement to succeed her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey Graham died July 11 at age 71 after suffering what his office described as a ruptured aorta caused by hardened arteries.
The newly appointed senator said she believes she is prepared to continue the work of her late brother who represented South Carolina in the Senate for more than two decades before his death earlier this month.
Graham made the announcement during an interview, saying she decided to enter the August 11 GOP primary after consulting with her family and spending time in prayer.
“I’ve been praying a lot, talking to my family. But with the love of my family, with the support of his staff, I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” Graham said.
“He cared about the people of this state. I’ve worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state. I feel like I can do it,” she added.
“I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes, absolutely,” Graham stated.
Her announcement comes three days after Trump offered his “complete and total endorsement,” encouraging her to seek the seat.
Graham was sworn into the Senate last Tuesday after South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to complete the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s term, which expires in early January.
Funeral services for the longtime senator are scheduled for July 28 in Washington, D.C., followed by a service in South Carolina on July 29.
Graham now enters what is expected to be a competitive Republican primary, with other announced GOP candidates including South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry and Rep. Ralph Norman, along with businessman Mark Lynch who unsuccessfully challenged Lindsey Graham in the Republican primary earlier this year.
The filing deadline for the special election is July 28.
The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
When she accepted McMaster’s appointment last week, Graham reflected on her lifelong relationship with her brother and pledged to carry on his work in the Senate.
“Lindsey has always been there for me,” she said, “and now, I will be there for him.”