President Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham for the U.S. Senate seat once held by her brother has sparked resistance from South Carolina Republicans, including Reps. Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace. Filing is complete and a special Republican primary is set for Aug. 11 because Lindsey Graham had already secured the party nomination before his sudden death. The Democratic nominee is pediatrician Annie Andrews. Trump’s endorsements have produced mixed results across recent races, making this contest unpredictable.
Republicans Push Back After Trump Endorses Darline Graham For Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat
‘I don’t believe in nepotism:’ Republicans revolt against Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham for late brother’s seat
President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham to run for a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, has prompted a backlash from several South Carolina Republicans.
GOP Resistance Mounts
Far from consolidating support, the president’s intervention appears to have galvanized rivals. Rep. Ralph Norman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, told reporters he had asked the president for an endorsement prior to announcing a potential campaign. “I said, ‘Can you endorse me if I run?’” Norman said.
Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister Sen. Darline Graham faces headwinds despite President Donald Trump's blessing (AFP/Getty)
Turning Point USA, the activist group founded by Charlie Kirk, publicly backed Norman after Trump’s announcement. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who had signaled interest in the seat, stood on the Capitol steps to formally endorse Norman shortly after he declared his campaign.
Accusations Of Nepotism And Political Calculus
“I don’t believe in nepotism,” Mace told The Independent, explaining her opposition to a familial transition into the Senate. “I think we want to have a difference of opinion. Ralph Norman again has a 100% conservative voting record.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) lost her primary for goveror after Trump endorsed someone else while Rep. Thomas Massie, (R-Ky.) lost his primary after Trump endorsed his opponent. (AFP/Getty)
Filing for the vacancy opened this week and several Republicans, including Darline Graham and Rep. Russell Fry, have submitted paperwork to run. Because Lindsey Graham had previously secured the Republican nomination before his sudden death, state law requires a special primary, scheduled for Aug. 11.
The Race And The Wider Context
The Democratic nominee is Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in a state that has voted for Republican presidential candidates by double digits in recent cycles. While some Republicans criticize the idea of a familial succession, others say the president has every right to weigh in on the contest.
Trump’s endorsement record in South Carolina and beyond has produced mixed outcomes. He endorsed Russell Fry against then-Rep. Tom Rice after Rice’s impeachment vote in the aftermath of Jan. 6, 2021, and he publicly backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the recent gubernatorial contest. At the same time, some of his preferred candidates in other states have failed to prevail, underscoring the uneven impact of his endorsements.
What’s Next
With filing complete and the special primary set for Aug. 11, the contest to replace Lindsey Graham is shaping up to be competitive. Observers will watch whether Trump’s backing ultimately consolidates support for Darline Graham or further energizes primary challengers.
Note: Several names and timeline details in initial reporting contained inconsistencies. Editors should verify the deceased candidate’s exact legal name and any related biographical details before publication.
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