It’s hard to imagine what this past week has been like for Darline Graham Nordone. It started with the unexpected death of her big brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham – who had adopted her after the deaths of their parents while she was still a child – pivoting wildly when she was sworn in as the interim Senate replacement for her brother, and is ending with her making a big decision about her future in politics.
Advertisement
In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that’s set to air Monday night, the new Sen. Graham replied, “I’m in,” when questioned by Hannity about replacing her brother on the South Carolina Senate ticket this November; shortly before his death, Lindsey Graham had won the GOP nomination in his state’s primary.
“I’m in.”
Over a week after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Darline Graham tells @seanhannity she’s running for the full Senate term to replace her brother in South Carolina.
“I have been praying a lot, talking to my family… I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner… pic.twitter.com/N12NcgXqT4
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 20, 2026
“I’m in.”
Over a week after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Darline Graham tells @seanhannity she’s running for the full Senate term to replace her brother in South Carolina.
“I have been praying a lot, talking to my family… I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes. Absolutely,” Graham says after acknowledging there’s “a tremendous amount of pressure” surrounding the decision.
Darline Graham Nordone has enjoyed the support of President Trump, who eventually became close friends with her brother despite the bitterness of the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump encouraged South Carolina’s Republican governor, Henry McMaster, to name Nordone to temporarily replace her brother, writing on Truth Social that he “recommended” that she “serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
Advertisement
READ MORE: Conservative Republican Announces He’s Running to Fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat in SC
The president weighed in again on Friday with his pick for who should replace Lindsey Graham on the Senate ticket, and, again, it was “Senator Darline Graham Nordone.”
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. We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot. 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. 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. 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! President DONALD J. TRUMP
Advertisement
Despite seemingly having President Trump’s endorsement, Darline Graham will be facing competition from GOP Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05), who threw his hat into the ring over the weekend. Norman said he was running “because we need a fighter who will stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham’s legacy!”
The special South Carolina Republican primary for U.S. Senate will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
Help RedState continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.