Sen. Darline Graham, the sister of the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, has confirmed she will run for the South Carolina Senate seat for a full term. She also intends to serve out the remainder of her brother's unfinished term, to which she was appointed last week by Gov. Henry McMaster.
"I've made a decision," Graham stated in an interview with Fox News, responding to a question about entering the race. When asked if she was running, she replied, "I'm in."
Graham was sworn in at the Capitol last week to complete the final months of her brother's term, which concludes in January. The special Republican primary election to fill Sen. Lindsey Graham's spot on the November general election ballot is scheduled for August 11. Candidate filing for the primary opens Tuesday and closes on July 28.
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Darline Graham on Friday, urging her to seek the seat and stating, "There would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey."
Several other candidates have already launched campaigns for the special primary. These include Republican Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry of South Carolina, and businessman Mark Lynch, who previously ran against Lindsey Graham in the state's June primary.
Graham previously served as a commissioner on the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and has held other state positions, including roles focused on individuals with disabilities. She has spoken about her brother's support after their parents died when they were young.
Sen. Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on July 11 at the age of 71. Memorial services are planned for next week in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina.