Lindsey Graham's sister announces Senate run, draws sharp MAGA criticism

Published Jul 21, 01:31 PM UTC

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.