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President Donald Trump on Friday endorsed Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, R-S.C., to seek a full term in the U.S. Senate after appointing her to succeed her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
In a post on Truth Social, the president praised Nordone and encouraged her to enter the special Republican primary.
“Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN!” he wrote.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Nordone earlier this week to serve the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s Senate term following his unexpected death. Reports on Friday indicated she is considering a campaign for a full term.
President Trump said he recently welcomed Nordone to the Oval Office and praised her character and longtime ties to South Carolina.
“It was my Honor to welcome now Senator Darline Graham Nordone (The sister of the Late, Great Lindsey Graham!), from the Wonderful State of South Carolina, into the Oval Office,” President Trump wrote. “We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot.”
The president also reflected on Lindsey Graham’s career and said his sister would continue his legacy if she chooses to run.
“Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina,” he wrote. “During her visit, 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. I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey.”
