Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and the current interim senator for South Carolina, announced Tuesday that she will run for a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate. Nordone confirmed her decision in an interview with Sean Hannity, stating, "I've made a decision. I'm in."
Nordone, a Republican, was sworn in as an interim senator last week to fill the vacancy left by her brother's sudden death on July 11. Her decision to pursue a full term comes amid encouragement from former President Donald Trump, who publicly urged her to run.
Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after Nordone's interim appointment, calling her a "spectacular person, and a true American Patriot." He added, "During her visit, I asked Nordone, 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 Nordone does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey."
Nordone cited her nearly 30 years of work for the people of South Carolina and her brother's dedication to the state as motivations for her candidacy. "He [Lindsey] cared about the people of this state," she said. "I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it."
The filing deadline for the Republican nomination for the South Carolina Senate seat opens Tuesday, giving Nordone about a week to formalize her campaign. The primary election is scheduled for August 11.
Nordone is the first woman to serve as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina. Her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, died at age 71 from heart complications. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Nordone to the Senate seat shortly after his death. The delay in her brother's funeral, originally scheduled for July 28, was attributed to the attendance of numerous world leaders and dignitaries.
Prior to Nordone's announcement, several other Republicans, including U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, had explored potential runs for the seat. Rep. Russell Fry also announced Monday that he will enter the race, potentially setting up a contest for the Republican nomination.