Darline Graham, appointed to temporarily fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by her late brother Lindsey Graham, is vying for the Republican nomination in South Carolina's special primary on Tuesday. Despite a familiar name and an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, Graham faces scrutiny from voters and rivals over her qualifications and limited campaign experience.
Graham was appointed to the interim Senate role last month after Lindsey Graham's death. While she has spent recent weeks in Washington fulfilling her senatorial duties, this has limited her ability to campaign across the state. Voters like Kathy Bustos of Mount Pleasant expressed a common sentiment: "I think it’s a very nice gesture for her to have the rest of his term to complete, but I’m not sure that she’s really qualified or ready to be elected to the Senate."
Her opponents in the crowded Republican field include Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, and former Governor Mark Sanford. These candidates have actively engaged with voters, participating in forums and events. Graham, conversely, has often sent video messages or spoken at limited events, prioritizing her presence in Washington to avoid missing votes. This decision has garnered support from some voters, such as Teresa Castrinos, who stated, "She committed to not missing votes or not being there to push forward with those bills. I feel like she’s putting South Carolina first."
Graham's background includes years in state government, working with disabilities and as an agency head for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. She has also participated in televised debates, where she voiced support for changing filibuster rules to ease the passage of voting legislation requiring proof of citizenship. However, in contrast to her brother's public persona, Darline Graham has largely avoided extensive engagement with reporters, opting for interviews with a few select media personalities and local outlets.
During a candidate forum in Florence, Graham acknowledged using notes due to her demanding schedule, stating, "Yes, I have some notes. You know why? Because I haven’t slept in two days, so I’m going to keep my thoughts straight." She emphasized her desire to remain in Washington to work on legislation.
Voters like Gigi Bray of Charleston are hesitant about electing Graham to a full term. "I think it’s a great honor for her to hold her brother’s spot till November, but it’s time for a change. I don’t think she has a lot of government experience, and I think right now, with the state of our country, I think it’s very important that somebody has experience," Bray said, backing Sanford.
Graham, however, pointed to her state government experience and her recent weeks as interim senator as sufficient preparation. "Trust me, I have learned a lot already, so I think I have experience," she stated.
A runoff election, if necessary, is scheduled for August 25.