Senator Lindsey Graham's Death Triggers Special Election in South Carolina
The sudden death of four-term Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has upended the 2026 midterm campaign. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim senator. A special GOP primary is set for August 11, with potential candidates including Rep. Nancy Mace, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and others. President Trump hinted at a preferred candidate but declined to name them. The seat remains solidly Republican.
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Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford Enters Race for Late Sen. Lindsey Graham's Seat
Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Representative Mark Sanford has entered the Republican special election primary for the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Sanford, who previously ran for his old House seat this year before dropping out to focus on national debt issues, announced his candidacy on July 23, 2026. He joins a crowded GOP field that includes Darline Graham, the late senator's sister who was appointed to fill the seat and has received President Donald Trump's endorsement, as well as House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and attorney Duke Buckner. Sanford's campaign emphasizes fiscal conservatism and addressing government spending and inflation. The filing period ends July 28, with a primary scheduled for August 11 and a possible runoff on August 25. The Republican nominee will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the November general election.
For Darline Graham, winning Trump’s endorsement may be the easy part
South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham, newly appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat, has launched a campaign for a full six-year term with President Trump's endorsement and support from Senate GOP leadership. However, she faces a crowded and fractious Republican primary field that includes House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and attorney Duke Buckner. The primary is set for Aug. 11, with a potential runoff on Aug. 25. The filing period ends July 28, the same day as Lindsey Graham's funeral. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. The article notes that Trump's endorsement, while powerful, has not always guaranteed victory in recent primaries, citing losses in Iowa and Georgia.
MAGA Figures Criticize Lindsey Graham's Sister for Running for His Senate Seat
Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has announced she will run for a full six-year term to fill his vacant South Carolina Senate seat, reversing her earlier pledge to only serve as a temporary appointee. Governor Henry McMaster appointed her last week after Graham's sudden death from a heart issue. Despite having no legislative experience and receiving Donald Trump's blessing, her decision has angered many in the MAGA movement. Right-wing influencers and politicians, including Sean Davis of The Federalist and former Representative Bob Good, have condemned the move as a 'birthright senatorship' and criticized Trump for supporting a dynastic appointment. Nordone faces a crowded GOP primary field including Representatives Russel Fry and Ralph Norman, with the special election deadline on July 28.
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MAGA Figures Criticize Lindsey Graham's Sister for Running for His Senate Seat
Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has decided to run for his vacant South Carolina Senate seat, drawing sharp criticism from MAGA-aligned figures. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Nordone to temporarily fill the seat after Graham's sudden death from a heart issue. Despite having no legislative experience and initially indicating she would only serve the remainder of the term, Nordone announced her candidacy for a full six-year term in a Fox News interview. Right-wing influencers and politicians, including Sean Davis of The Federalist and former Representative Bob Good, condemned the move as 'idiotic' and a 'birthright senatorship.' Nordone faces a crowded GOP primary field including Representatives Russel Fry and Ralph Norman, and businessman Mark Lynch. The special election deadline is July 28, with the winner facing Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
MAGA Figures Criticize Lindsey Graham's Sister for Running for His Senate Seat
Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has announced she will run for a full six-year term to fill his vacant South Carolina Senate seat, reversing her earlier pledge to only serve as a temporary appointee. Governor Henry McMaster appointed her last week after Graham died suddenly from a heart issue. Despite having no legislative experience and receiving Donald Trump's blessing, her decision has angered many MAGA-aligned influencers and politicians, including former Representative Bob Good and Federalist CEO Sean Davis, who called the move 'idiotic' and a 'birthright senatorship.' State GOP Chair Drew McKissick expressed surprise, noting she had initially agreed only to finish the term. Nordone faces a crowded GOP primary field including Representatives Russel Fry and Ralph Norman, and businessman Mark Lynch. The special election deadline is July 28, with the winner facing Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Darline Graham Launches Senate Campaign With Political Views Largely Unknown
Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., announced Monday she is running to permanently replace her brother after being appointed to fill the remainder of his term following his sudden death on July 11 from a cardiovascular tear. Graham, 62, has served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2019 and has worked in state government and at Clemson University. She campaigned for her brother throughout his career and has advocated for disability rights legislation, including helping undo subminimum wage policy in South Carolina in 2022. However, colleagues describe her as never particularly political. Her only political donation since 1990 was $100 to a friend's 2020 reelection campaign. She will face a special primary election on Aug. 11, with the winner competing against Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Former President Donald Trump endorsed her, calling her a 'true American Patriot.'
Nancy Mace will not run for Lindsey Graham's Senate seat
Republican Representative Nancy Mace announced on July 20, 2026, that she will not run for the South Carolina Senate seat held by the late Lindsey Graham. Her decision follows a fifth-place finish in the gubernatorial primary earlier this year and President Donald Trump's endorsement of Senator Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's sister who was appointed to fill the remainder of his term. Mace stated she is focused on her current fight for women's legal protections. The race for the full term is already taking shape, with GOP Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman also announcing bids. The special primary election is scheduled for August 11, with a possible runoff on August 25. The winner of the GOP primary is expected to be the heavy favorite in the November general election.
South Carolina Republicans crowd field to succeed late Sen. Lindsey Graham
South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry has joined the race to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died July 11 from an aortic dissection. Fry, a close Trump ally, announced his candidacy for the Aug. 11 special Republican primary, joining Rep. Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and Duke Buckner. Graham's sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to fill the seat on an interim basis and has Trump's endorsement but has not yet announced whether she will seek the nomination. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election, which the Cook Political Report rates as 'Solid R.' Both Fry and Norman are current House members, and a victory for either could complicate Republicans' thin House majority.
Fry and Norman Join GOP Special Election Primary for Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat
South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry has entered the Republican special election primary to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, joining Rep. Ralph Norman who launched his campaign days earlier. The race, triggered by Graham's unexpected death, features a compressed timeline with a primary on August 11 and a potential runoff on August 25. President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham, the late senator's sister and current interim appointee, though she has not yet declared her candidacy. Other potential contenders include Rep. Nancy Mace, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. Both Fry and Norman are positioning themselves as strong conservative advocates for Trump's MAGA agenda. The GOP nominee will face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in the general election. Norman has urged Fry to stay in the House, warning that leaving his seat vacant could jeopardize Speaker Mike Johnson's majority.
Trump Endorses Darline Graham for Late Senator Lindsey Graham's Seat
President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham to permanently fill the U.S. Senate seat of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. The endorsement scrambles the Republican primary field in the state. Darline Graham is currently serving out the remainder of her brother's term but has not yet publicly announced whether she will run for a full term. Trump's backing adds significant weight to her potential candidacy, reshaping the dynamics of the GOP primary race. The Wall Street Journal reports that the move is a major development in the contest to succeed the late senator.
Lindsey Graham's Sister Darline Considers Running for His Senate Seat
Darline Graham, sister of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, is considering running for a full term in the Senate after being appointed as his interim successor. According to four sources, she is holding talks about a campaign and is in contact with the White House. Lindsey Graham, a longtime Republican senator and Trump ally, died at age 71 from a torn aorta. The application deadline for a special Republican primary in South Carolina runs from July 21 to 28, with the primary scheduled for August 11. Several other Republicans, including Representatives Russell Fry, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, have already expressed interest. Darline Graham has no political background, and little is known about her political views. The siblings lost their parents as teenagers, and Lindsey promised to always take care of her.
Trump Asks Lindsey Graham's Sister to Run for Senate Seat
President Trump announced on Friday that he met with newly-appointed Senator Darline Graham Nordone (R) in the Oval Office. Nordone is the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R) of South Carolina. During the meeting, Trump asked her to run in the special Republican primary for a full term in the South Carolina Senate seat. The meeting underscores Trump's continued influence in Republican primary politics and his involvement in filling the vacancy left by Graham's passing. Nordone was recently appointed to the seat, and Trump's request signals a push for her to seek a full term in the upcoming election.
Trump backs newly appointed Darline Graham for full Senate term
President Donald Trump endorsed newly appointed South Carolina Senator Darline Graham for a full Senate term on Friday, urging her to run in the upcoming special primary election to replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at age 71 from an aortic tear. Darline Graham was sworn in on July 14, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate and the first sister to directly succeed her brother in Congress. The special primary is set for August 11, with the winner facing Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Trump's endorsement could boost her candidacy, though several Republicans, including businessman Mark Lynch and Representatives Nancy Mace, Russell Fry, and Ralph Norman, have expressed interest in running. Senator Tim Scott also suggested Darline Graham could become a permanent replacement.
Trump backs newly appointed Darline Graham for full Senate term
President Donald Trump endorsed newly appointed South Carolina Senator Darline Graham for a full Senate term on Friday, urging her to seek the Republican nomination in the August 11 special primary election. Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham who died from an aortic tear at age 71, was sworn in on Tuesday. Trump made the request during an Oval Office meeting and posted on Truth Social, 'RUN, DARLINE, RUN!' Darline Graham is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate and the first sister to directly succeed her brother in Congress. The special primary will choose a replacement for Lindsey Graham, who had won the Republican primary before his death. Several other Republicans, including businessman Mark Lynch and Representatives Nancy Mace, Russell Fry, and Ralph Norman, have expressed interest in running. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Trump backs newly appointed Darline Graham for full Senate term
President Donald Trump endorsed newly appointed South Carolina Senator Darline Graham for a full Senate term, urging her to seek the Republican nomination in the August 11 special primary election to replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at age 71 from an aortic tear. Darline Graham was sworn in on July 14, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate and the first sister to directly succeed her brother in Congress. Trump made the endorsement via Truth Social, noting he relayed the request during an Oval Office meeting. The special primary winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Several other Republicans, including businessman Mark Lynch and Representatives Nancy Mace, Russell Fry, and Ralph Norman, have expressed interest in running. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, suggested Darline Graham could become a permanent replacement. Memorial services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled for July 28 in Washington and July 29 in South Carolina.
Darline Graham Nordone Sworn In as U.S. Senator, Replacing Late Brother Lindsey Graham
Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in as the newest U.S. senator on Tuesday, succeeding her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). This marks the first time in Senate history that a sibling has been sworn in to replace a senator who died in office. Dressed in pale blue, Nordone recited the oath of office at 2:30 p.m. The historic event took place in the Senate chamber, with family and colleagues present. Nordone, a Republican, will serve the remainder of her brother's term, which runs through January 2027. Lindsey Graham, a prominent conservative voice, died unexpectedly last week at age 69. Nordone, a retired businesswoman and longtime community volunteer, has pledged to continue her brother's legacy of fiscal conservatism and strong national defense.
Darline Graham Nordone Sworn In to Complete Late Brother Lindsey Graham's Senate Term
Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), was sworn in on Tuesday afternoon to serve the remainder of her brother's term. Graham died at age 71 from an aortic dissection two days prior. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) appointed Nordone on Monday, with the backing of former President Donald Trump. The swearing-in ceremony marks the continuation of the Senate seat held by Graham, who served as a prominent Republican senator from South Carolina.
Capitol Lens: Keeping It in the Family
Senator Darline Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, was sworn into the U.S. Senate on July 14, 2026, replacing her brother, the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11. She was accompanied by Senator Charles E. Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, as they arrived for a swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol. The event marks a familial succession in the Senate, with Graham taking over the seat previously held by her brother.
Capitol Lens: Keeping It in the Family
Senator Darline Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, was sworn into the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, replacing her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11. She was accompanied by Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa, for a swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol. The event marks a familial succession in the Senate, as Darline Graham takes over the seat previously held by her brother for many years. The article, published by Roll Call and featuring a photograph by Tom Williams, highlights the continuity of political representation within the Graham family following the death of the longtime senator.
Lindsey Graham's Sister Appointed as Temporary Senate Replacement
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of his term following his unexpected death. The appointment has the backing of President Donald Trump, who recommended her to the governor. Graham Nordone, who has not previously held elected office and has largely stayed out of the public eye, accepted the role, stating, 'Lindsey has always been there for me. Now I will be there for him.' Her appointment comes amid interest from several prominent South Carolina Republicans, including Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, all of whom lost the recent gubernatorial primary. Graham's death triggers a sprint primary election to fill the seat on the November ballot, and it remains unclear if Graham Nordone will run for the full term.