Darline Graham, recently sworn in as South Carolina's interim U.S. Senator, has privately indicated an interest in running for a full Senate term, according to a report. The development comes as memorial services for her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, have been announced.
Three individuals familiar with her deliberations told The Associated Press that Darline Graham has begun discussions about a potential campaign for the seat. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to complete the remainder of her brother's term on Monday, and she was sworn in on Tuesday.
The filing period for a special primary is set to run from July 21 to July 28, with the primary election scheduled for August 11. Several other prominent South Carolina politicians, including Representatives Russell Fry, Nancy Mace, and Ralph Norman, as well as Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, are reportedly considering bids for the Senate seat.
Darline Graham is the first woman to serve as a senator from South Carolina and the first sister to be appointed to the upper chamber. She is expected to serve as a caretaker of the seat, completing her brother's term through January.
Lindsey Graham died on July 11 at the age of 71. His cause of death was ruled an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a statement released by his office. Preliminary findings were released by the District of Columbia's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Memorial services celebrating Lindsey Graham's "life and legacy" are scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, in Washington, D.C., and on Wednesday, July 29, in Columbia and Pickens County, South Carolina. During her appointment ceremony, Darline Graham stated, "Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him." She described her brother as "the most amazing person, outstanding leader and just a genuinely good man."
