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◆ Mixed look for GrahamElections / Campaigns

Trump endorses Darline Graham in SC Senate primary race, but others are jumping in

Darline Graham announced a campaign for a full Senate term after receiving Trump's endorsement.

Trump endorses Darline Graham in SC Senate primary race, but others are jumping in
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This article1 analysis · Oct 2, 2026
Fox News
Jul 21, 2026
tl;dr

Darline Graham announced a Republican bid for a full Senate term after President Trump endorsed her, but Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry also entered the race. Their campaigns set up a competitive GOP primary for the seat held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

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Darline Graham R · SC · SEN
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People in this story

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Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Republican Senate candidate

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

Republican Senate candidate

Norman's version of this story ↗
Russell Fry
R · SC-7

Republican Senate candidate

Fry's version of this story ↗
Rick Scott
R · FL · SEN

U.S. senator who endorsed Norman

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

Late South Carolina senator whose seat is being contested

Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

South Carolina representative who declined to run and endorsed Norman

Mark Lynch
R · SC

Republican Senate candidate

John Barrasso
R · WY · SEN

Senate Majority Whip who endorsed Darline Graham

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Darline Graham

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Majority Leader who commented on Graham's candidacy

South Carolina-based Republican consultant

Democratic nominee for the general election

Mike Lee
R · UT · SEN

U.S. senator who endorsed Norman

ALSO MENTIONED  Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general referenced in the prior gubernatorial runoff; Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor referenced in the account of Norman's earlier campaign; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor considering a Senate run; Ryan Williams, Republican strategist and communicator

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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