Trump Encourages Lindsey Graham's Sister to Pursue Senate Seat

WHO:

CNN - President Donald Trump

CNN - Sen. Darline Graham, the younger sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham

NY Post - President Trump

CNN - The late Sen. Lindsey Graham

WHAT:

CNN - Trump urged Darline Graham to run for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming special Republican primary.

CNN - Trump pledged his “complete and total endorsement” if Darline enters the race.

CNN - Trump stated, “I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey.”

CNN - Graham was sworn into the Senate to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term following his death.

CNN - The death of Lindsey Graham will initiate a primary election to replace him on the November ballot.

WHERE:

CNN - Oval Office, Washington D.C.

CNN - South Carolina

WHEN:

CNN - The special Republican primary is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

WHY:

CNN - Trump believes Darline Graham would honor her brother's legacy by running for the Senate.

HOW:

CNN - Trump communicated his endorsement and encouragement through a post on Truth Social.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 21:16 UTC)

President Trump has urged Darline Graham to run for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming special Republican primary, pledging his “complete and total endorsement” if she decides to enter the race. He expressed his hope that Darline would honor the legacy of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who was sworn into the Senate to serve out the remainder of his term following his death. The special Republican primary is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as South Carolina prepares to fill the vacancy left by Lindsey Graham.