Trump Supports Darline Graham's Senate Bid Following Brother's Death

WHO:

AP - Darline Graham Nordone is the newly appointed U.S. interim Senator from South Carolina.

AP - Darline Graham referred to her appointment as “such an honor,” while surrounded by her brother’s staffers and campaign advisers.

AP - President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham to run for a full term in the U.S. Senate.

AP - Lindsey Graham, the late brother of Darline Graham, served as a U.S. Senator.

AP - South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of Lindsey Graham's term.

AP - Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) commented on Darline Graham's potential candidacy.

WHAT:

AP - Trump stated that Darline Graham “has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement.”

AP - Trump previously suggested he could back a potential candidacy from Rep. Russell Fry, along with other politicians eyeing a run, including Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

AP - Trump stated that he had discussed a potential campaign with Darline Graham at the White House, where she privately expressed interest in running.

AP - Lindsey Graham was seeking a fifth term in 2026 when he died.

AP - Trump wrote on social media, “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!” in support of Darline Graham's potential candidacy.

AP - Trump had previously suggested he could back a potential candidacy from Rep. Russell Fry.

AP - Lindsey Graham had millions in his campaign account at the time of his death and was expected to raise more for the general election.

AP - Under federal rules, Lindsey Graham’s campaign can transfer only $2,000 to a potential Darline Graham candidacy.

AP - Trump stated that Darline Graham “has been a WINNER all of her life” and offered his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

AP - The filing period for a special primary runs from July 21 to July 28, and the primary is scheduled for August 11.

AP - Lindsey Graham died at age 71 due to a tear in his aorta.

AP - Darline Graham was appointed as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.

WHERE:

AP - The funeral services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled in Washington and South Carolina.

WHEN:

AP - Lindsey Graham's funeral service in South Carolina is set for July 29.

AP - Lindsey Graham's funeral service in Washington is scheduled for July 28, and another service in South Carolina is set for July 29.

AP - The special primary election is scheduled for August 11.

WHY:

AP - Trump's endorsement aims to reshape the competition to fill Lindsey Graham's Senate seat following his death.

HOW:

AP - A person familiar with McMaster’s thinking indicated that he had never contemplated Darline Graham as a placeholder or symbolic appointment.

AP - A person familiar with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster's thinking indicated that he had never contemplated Darline Graham as a placeholder or symbolic appointment.

AP - The National Republican Senatorial Committee can spend an unlimited amount in coordination with Darline Graham’s campaign, following a recent Supreme Court decision.

AP - Trump discussed a potential campaign with Darline Graham at the White House, where she expressed interest in running.

(UPDATED July 18, 2026 11:16 UTC)

Darline Graham Nordone has been appointed as the new interim Senator from South Carolina, with Trump expressing his strong support by stating she has been a "WINNER all of her life" and offering his "Complete and Total Endorsement" should she choose to accept it. Trump had previously mentioned the possibility of backing other candidates, including Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, as they consider running for the Senate. Meanwhile, Lindsey Graham's funeral service is scheduled for July 29 in South Carolina.

(UPDATED July 18, 2026 06:35 UTC)

Darline Graham expressed her gratitude for her new appointment, calling it “such an honor” while surrounded by her brother's staffers and campaign advisers. President Trump revealed that he had spoken with Darline about a potential campaign at the White House, where she showed interest in running after her brother Lindsey Graham's passing while seeking a fifth term in 2026. A source close to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster noted that he never viewed Darline as a placeholder or symbolic appointment.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 23:13 UTC)

Trump recently took to social media to express his support for Darline Graham's potential candidacy, urging her to "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!" He had also indicated earlier that he might back Rep. Russell Fry if he decides to run. Meanwhile, Lindsey Graham had millions in his campaign account at the time of his passing, and under federal rules, his campaign can only transfer $2,000 to support Darline, although the National Republican Senatorial Committee can spend unlimited amounts in coordination with her campaign.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 22:18 UTC)

President Trump has officially endorsed Darline Graham to run for a full term in the U.S. Senate, stating that she “has been a WINNER all of her life” and offering his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” The special primary election to fill the seat left vacant by the late Lindsey Graham, who passed away at age 71, is set for August 11, with the filing period running from July 21 to July 28. Lindsey Graham's funeral services will take place in Washington on July 28 and in South Carolina on July 29.