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Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., announced Monday that she will seek a full Senate term, entering next month’s Republican special primary days after receiving President Donald Trump’s endorsement to succeed her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey Graham died July 11 at age 71 after suffering a ruptured aorta caused by hardened arteries, according to his office.
During an interview with Fox News, Graham said she decided to enter the Aug. 11 Republican primary after consulting with her family and spending time in prayer.
Darline Graham says she plans to run for full six-year Senate term in South Carolina.
“I’ve been praying a lot, talking to my family. But with the love of my family, with the support of his staff, I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” Graham said.
“He cared about the people of this state. I’ve worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state. I feel like I can do it,” she added. “I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes, absolutely.”
Her campaign announcement came three days after President Trump offered what he called his “complete and total endorsement” and encouraged her to run for the seat.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham to the Senate following her brother’s death. She was sworn into office last Tuesday and will serve until the remainder of the term expires in early January unless elected to a full term.
Funeral services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled for July 28 in Washington, followed by a memorial service in South Carolina on July 29.
Darline Graham joins a Republican primary field that includes Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and businessman Mark Lynch, who challenged Lindsey Graham in this year’s Republican primary. The filing deadline for the special election is July 28.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the November general election.