Darline Graham made her political debut in Lexington, S.C., pledging to carry forward her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham's work and to champion President Trump's policy priorities as she seeks the Republican nomination in the Aug. 11 special primary. Serving temporarily to finish her brother's term, she faces eight other GOP contenders and has Trump's endorsement. At a campaign event where each candidate had five minutes to speak, Graham narrowly won an informal straw poll. If no candidate wins outright, a runoff is set for Aug. 25; the GOP nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.
Darline Graham Makes Political Debut in South Carolina, Pledges to Advance Trump's Agenda Ahead of Special Senate Primary
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., speaks with voters following a Senate candidate stump event ahead of a special GOP primary to select a replacement for her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)(AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
LEXINGTON, S.C. — Darline Graham made her first major public campaign appearance on Saturday, telling several hundred Republican voters that she had never planned a life in politics until the sudden death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. Now serving in an interim capacity to complete his Senate term, she said she will work to promote South Carolina and champion President Donald Trump's policy priorities.
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., speaks at a South Carolina Republican Senate candidate stump event ahead of the special GOP primary to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)(AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
Graham is one of nine Republicans competing in the special primary on Aug. 11 to fill the Senate seat permanently. With just over a week before the vote, she acknowledged her limited political experience but argued that her life experience gives her insight into how federal policy debates — from budgets to rising health-care costs — affect everyday Americans. She reiterated that President Trump encouraged her to run and has endorsed her candidacy.
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., from left, seated alongside daughter Nicole Nordone and husband Larry Nordone, looks on as a South Carolina Republican Senate candidate stump event gets underway ahead of the special GOP primary to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)(AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
"I certainly never expected to be on this stage, giving this stump speech," Darline Graham told the crowd in Lexington. "I've never had any desire to be a politician. I'm here today because I'm answering President Trump's call to serve. I want to stand up for South Carolina, and I want to fight for President Trump's agenda."
Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., speaks at a Senate candidate stump event to ahead of a special GOP primary to select a replacement for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)(AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
Graham was thrust into the spotlight roughly three weeks ago after Lindsey Graham's unexpected death from an aortic tear. In the compressed timeline of the special election, she must quickly build name recognition beyond her association with her brother, whose life story and recent funeral services in Washington and South Carolina have kept the family in the public eye.
Former Gov. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., speaks at a Senate candidate stump event to ahead of a special GOP primary to select a replacement for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)(AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
All nine GOP hopefuls attended Saturday's event and were given five minutes apiece to address voters. Former Gov. Mark Sanford used his time to warn against deficit spending and growing national debt. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman highlighted endorsements from Sen. Rick Scott of Florida and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and emphasized his support for the SAVE America Act, a priority backed by Trump. U.S. Rep. Russell Fry spoke about his modest roots and the values—faith, work ethic and blue-collar determination—that shaped his outlook.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., speaks at a Senate candidate stump event to ahead of a special GOP primary to select a replacement for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)(AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
After the speeches, attendees lined up for free Chick-fil-A boxed lunches and had the chance to participate in an informal straw poll. In that casual survey, Darline Graham narrowly led the field, followed by Russell Fry and Ralph Norman. Several voters said they still wanted more information before making a final choice.
Businessman Mark Lynch speaks at a Senate candidate stump event to ahead of a special GOP primary to select a replacement for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)(AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
If no candidate secures a majority on Aug. 11, a runoff is scheduled for Aug. 25. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election. Other candidates who spoke at the event included attorney Duke Buckner, businessman Mark Lynch, former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride, retired Air Force officer Glenda Gail Parker and entrepreneur Sam Shepherd.
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