Senator Darline Graham, seeking to retain her late brother's South Carolina seat, faced online criticism after sharing what she intended as relatable insights into managing personal finances. Graham posted on X, formerly Twitter, about her budgeting strategies, stating, "I know how to bargain shop. I look for the buy one, get one free deals, and the shoes I’m wearing around the U.S. Capitol came from the clearance rack. I cut my own grass with a push mower, and yes, I know how to use a weedeater."
Her comments, however, were met with a barrage of responses from users who felt she was out of touch with the financial realities faced by many South Carolinians. One user, JoJo Marks, pointed out Graham's prior salary of $138,000 as a commissioner, stating, "Your salary before you took your brother's Senate seat was $138,000 a year. Please don't insult me or other paycheck-not-provided-by-taxpayers people and try to make us believe you have to pinch pennies."
Others questioned the relevance of her remarks to legislative duties. "That's awesome, and I sincerely mean that, but exactly what does it have to do with representing me or millions of others from [South Carolina] in the U.S. Senate?" another user asked. Some wryly commented that knowing how to cut grass should not be a qualification for Senate office.
During a primary debate, Graham had previously described herself as one of many South Carolinians living paycheck-to-paycheck without a significant emergency fund. Another critic, Michele Mangum, noted that Graham also has a spouse whose income could contribute to household finances.
A recent poll indicated that 31 percent of voters feel financially comfortable and able to save, while 35 percent report experiencing some difficulty covering expenses, highlighting a significant portion of the electorate concerned about affordability.
Graham's campaign defended her remarks, with spokesperson Abby Zilch telling the Daily Mail, "Senator Graham’s comments have received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from South Carolinians because they appreciate knowing she struggles with the same issues they do. If voters are looking for a wealthy career politician to represent them, they’ll prefer other candidates."
Graham is competing in a special Republican primary necessitated by her brother's death. She has secured an endorsement from former President Donald Trump but faces notable challengers including Representatives Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, and former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. Norman's campaign has described him as the "only proven conservative" in the race. Voters will select the Republican nominee on August 11, who will then face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election. Campaigns for Fry and Sanford did not immediately respond to requests for comment.