Get you up to speed: Darline Graham in serious discussions about running for Lindsey Graham’s seat
Sen. Darline Graham of South Carolina has commenced discussions about running for her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat in the upcoming special Republican primary on August 11. Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly last weekend, had served in the Senate since 2003.
Sen. Darline Graham was sworn in as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate on July 12, 2026, following her appointment to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham’s term, which ends in January. The upcoming special Republican primary is set for August 11, with Graham reportedly considering a bid for a full Senate term.
Sen. Darline Graham of South Carolina is actively considering a run for her late brother’s Senate seat in the upcoming Republican primary on August 11, having recently expressed her intentions during a White House meeting. Fellow South Carolina senator Tim Scott welcomed the prospect, stating, “Darline has so far been off to a remarkable start,” while Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to the Senate following Lindsey Graham’s death.
What remains unclear — It is not known whether Darline Graham will officially announce her candidacy for the Senate by the upcoming primary date.
Darline Graham considers running for her late brother’s Senate seat
Sen. Darline Graham of South Carolina, who was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the death of her brother, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, is engaged in serious discussions about running for his seat in the upcoming special Republican primary on Aug. 11.
On Thursday, the new senator indicated in a White House meeting that she’s weighing a bid, WTX US News confirmed, according to two sources familiar with her plans. Semafor first reported that she’s considering a Senate run.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed her as Lindsey Graham’s replacement for the remainder of his current term, which ends in January. Darline Graham, 62, was sworn in Tuesday and is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.
Her fellow South Carolina senator, Tim Scott, who also chairs the fundraising arm for Senate Republicans, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, seemed open to the idea when asked about it Wednesday by WTX US News.
“Darline has so far been off to a remarkable start,” Scott said. “Why not her?”
Lindsey Graham, whose sudden death last weekend shocked the Senate, had served in the upper chamber since 2003 and was widely expected to win his fifth term this November.
Darline Graham, who has had a career in disability services and most recently served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, doesn’t have a background in elected office. But she said Monday that with the support of her brother’s staff, she feels confident in her ability to carry out the role.