Sunny Hostin, a co-host of "The View," has criticized South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster's appointment of Darline Graham to the U.S. Senate, calling the decision an instance of "DEI" (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and nepotism. Hostin questioned Graham's qualifications to represent South Carolina in Washington, D.C., following the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.
During a discussion on "The View," Hostin stated, "It’s DEI. Nepotism. All these things thrown in together." She further expressed disappointment that South Carolina's first female U.S. senator was appointed rather than elected. "I think that’s just — it’s just fundamentally wrong that South Carolina just couldn’t elect a woman and this is the only way that it was done," Hostin said.
Hostin specifically challenged Graham's professional background, noting that she is a certified optician. "While she is a certified optician and while she has done great work in that field, I don’t think that she should be representing the people of South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. I just don’t," Hostin stated. Co-host Joy Behar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the specialized knowledge required for public office.
Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former White House Director of Strategic Communications, offered a different perspective, suggesting that Graham would serve in a caretaker capacity. She drew a parallel to California Governor Gavin Newsom's appointment of Laphonza Butler following the death of Senator Dianne Feinstein.
A spokesperson for Governor McMaster defended the appointment, citing the governor's authority under South Carolina law. The spokesperson highlighted Graham's nearly three decades of public service, including her role as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2019. Her previous roles include positions with Clemson University and state departments of Employment and Workforce and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Darline Graham has pledged to continue her late brother's work and support President Trump during her tenure. She is expected to serve until a successor is elected in the upcoming general election. The filing period for the special Republican primary is scheduled from July 21 to July 28, with the primary election on August 11 and a potential runoff on August 25.