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Inside Trump's biggest South Carolina gamble yet: The Oval Office gut decision to back Lindsey Graham's sister … and why even Republican allies are concerned

After Trump encouraged her to run, Darline Graham entered the Republican primary for the seat she was appointed to fill temporarily.

Inside Trump's biggest South Carolina gamble yet: The Oval Office gut decision to back Lindsey Graham's sister … and why even Republican allies are concerned
Image · Daily Mail

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Outlet credibilityDaily Mail54/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 2, 2026
Jul 24, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump encouraged Darline Graham to run for the Senate seat left vacant by her brother Lindsey Graham’s death and endorsed her after she said she would consider it. Her entry sets up a contested Republican primary in South Carolina.

Community verdict

17 VOTES
How does this story look for
Darline Graham R · SC · SEN
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People in this story

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Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Senator and candidate for the South Carolina Senate seat

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who encouraged and endorsed Graham’s candidacy

Trump's version of this story ↗
Chuck Grassley
R · IA · SEN

Iowa senator shown at Graham’s swearing-in

Rick Scott
R · FL · SEN

Florida senator who endorsed Norman

Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

Former South Carolina senator whose seat is being filled

Russell Fry
R · SC-7

South Carolina representative and Senate candidate

Mark Lynch
R · SC

South Carolina candidate listed among the primary contenders

South Carolina attorney listed among the primary contenders

Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

South Carolina representative and Senate candidate

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who does not plan to endorse in the race

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

South Carolina senator who has not endorsed in the race

Trey Gowdy
Former U.S. Representative (R-SC)

Former South Carolina congressman who has no interest in returning to Washington

Mike Lee
R · UT · SEN

Utah senator who endorsed Norman

ALSO MENTIONED  Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general who received Trump’s later endorsement in a gubernatorial primary; Clark Neilson, Senate candidate; Jim DeMint, Former South Carolina senator who endorsed Norman; Mark McBride, Former Myrtle Beach mayor and Senate candidate; Mark Sanford, Former congressman and Senate candidate; Nikki Haley, Former South Carolina governor mentioned in connection with Norman’s past endorsement; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor previously backed by Trump in a gubernatorial primary; Samuel Shepherd, Senate candidate

Part of a bigger story

19 OUTLETS
Darline Graham Appointed to Senate Seat and Announces Full-Term Bid

After being appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, Darline Graham announced she would seek a full term. Left-leaning outlets emphasize criticism that her candidacy rests on family ties; one also scrutinizes a donation against her stated abortion position. Center outlets focus on the crowded Republican field and election process, with some highlighting Trump’s backing, eligibility rules or Black South Carolinians’ concerns about political power. Right-leaning outlets present the bid as a Republican succession contest, often noting Trump’s endorsement and rivals; one also features debate over the appointment’s merits.

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