South Carolina Senator Darline Graham (R) announced Monday that she will run for a full Senate term in next month’s Republican special primary, entering the race shortly after President Donald Trump endorsed her to succeed her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey Graham died on July 11 at age 71 following 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 this month.
Graham made the announcement during an interview, stating that after consulting with family and spending time in prayer, she decided to enter the August 11 GOP primary. She emphasized her commitment to the state: “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.
“We care about the people of this state,” she added. “I’ve worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state. I feel like I can do it.”
Graham also expressed the challenge ahead: “I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes, absolutely.”
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 following South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s appointment to complete Lindsey Graham’s term, which expires in early January.
Funeral services for Lindsey Graham 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. Other announced candidates include South Carolina Representative Russell Fry and Rep. Ralph Norman, as well as businessman Mark Lynch, who previously challenged Lindsey Graham in the Republican primary 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: “Lindsey has always been there for me,” she said. “And now, I will be there for him.”
