President Trump Urges Senator Darline Graham to Enter Race for Senate Seat

Senator Darline Graham, sister of the late Lindsey Graham, was seen as a temporary fill-in for her brother’s seat following his untimely passing. Now, President Trump has backed her to compete for the Senate seat, altering what could have been a busy Republican primary.

On Friday, President Trump publicly urged Senator Graham, recently sworn in to complete her brother’s term, to participate in the race to succeed him. This move reshapes the landscape of the upcoming primary fight for Lindsey Graham’s seat.

“Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known,” Mr. Trump stated in a social media post shortly after meeting with Ms. Graham. “I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.”

The endorsement changes the dynamics of the race. South Carolina’s governor appointed Ms. Graham as interim replacement, encouraged by President Trump, following Mr. Graham’s sudden death. Ms. Graham was initially seen as a caretaker holding Republican values.

Following Trump’s endorsement, Ms. Graham’s interim role might evolve into a full campaign, leveraging name recognition and incumbency.

President Trump promised his “Complete and Total Endorsement” if she chooses to run. Candidates considering running against Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews include Representatives Russell Fry, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

Trump’s endorsement could simplify Ms. Graham’s path, though some candidates might remain in the race. The president’s previous endorsement for governor didn’t guarantee victory.

Ms. Graham will serve until Jan. 3, 2027, her brother’s term end-date. The special primary to choose a candidate against Dr. Andrews is slated for Aug. 11. The filing deadline is at noon on July 28.

Reporting contributions by Reid J. Epstein. Robert Jimison covers Congress for The Times, focusing on defense and foreign policy issues.