South Carolina’s newly appointed senator reportedly told White House officials she may enter the Republican special primary to serve a full term following the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Newly appointed South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham is considering seeking a full term in the U.S. Senate, a move that could significantly alter the crowded Republican race to succeed her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Graham told White House officials Thursday that she may enter the special election, according to Semafor.
Republican Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham to serve through the end of the year following her brother’s unexpected death. She was sworn in Tuesday, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
President Donald Trump had encouraged McMaster to appoint Graham on an interim basis, describing the selection as “a fabulous tribute” to Lindsey Graham, one of the president’s closest congressional allies.
Her appointment was initially viewed as giving Trump and other Republican leaders additional time to evaluate the field before deciding whom to support in the Aug. 11 special primary.
That calculation could change if Graham becomes a candidate herself.
It remains unclear whether Trump would endorse Graham for the full term or back another Republican in what is developing into one of the party’s most closely watched Senate contests of the year.
Graham moved quickly into her new responsibilities after taking office. She joined Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., in introducing legislation intended to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., praised her early work and suggested she could become a strong candidate.
Scott said Graham was “off to a remarkable start” and could be “a seriously good fit for the state.”
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told Semafor that he was watching the race and awaiting Trump’s decision.
“Like many Republicans, I am waiting to see what the president decides, and watching with great interest,” Cruz said.
The Republican primary field already includes businessman Mark Lynch, who unsuccessfully challenged Lindsey Graham in last month’s primary and has announced another campaign for the seat.
Other possible candidates include Republican Reps. Nancy Mace, Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and former Rep. Mark Sanford.
Darline Graham has never previously held elected office. Before entering the Senate, she worked as an optician and held positions with several South Carolina state agencies.
Lindsey Graham raised his younger sister after their parents died, creating a close family relationship that Trump cited when urging her appointment.
The longtime senator died unexpectedly last weekend at age 71. A preliminary report from the Washington medical examiner identified an aortic dissection as the cause of death.
Under South Carolina law, Republicans will select their nominee in an Aug. 11 special primary. A runoff will be held Aug. 25 if no candidate receives a majority of the vote.
The eventual Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the Nov. 3 general election.
Graham’s decision could reshape the contest by giving voters the option of retaining the senator already serving in the position while complicating endorsement decisions for Trump and other national Republican leaders.
For now, she has not formally announced a campaign, but her communication with the White House indicates that she is actively considering seeking the seat beyond her temporary appointment.
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