President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, in the upcoming Republican primary to fill her brother's South Carolina Senate seat. The decision, made after a conversation with Nordone at the White House, has been described as a "gut decision" characteristic of Trump's approach to politics.
Nordone was appointed to temporarily hold the seat following her brother's sudden death on July 11. Trump's endorsement came swiftly, announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, the day after his meeting with Nordone. This move, however, has created friction within the South Carolina Republican party, with some allies expressing concern over the endorsement and preferring to move past the Graham family's prominent role.
"It's kind of a sh*t show," one Republican fundraiser told the Daily Mail. "She's grieving and they're all telling her to run and even people that liked Lindsey feel like this is a bad idea."
Despite Trump's early endorsement, the race remains open. Other candidates are continuing their campaigns, including South Carolina Congressman Russell Fry and Congressman Ralph Norman. Norman, a member of the Freedom Caucus, has secured endorsements from conservative figures like former Senator Jim DeMint and Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee. However, MAGA supporters view Norman with skepticism due to his past endorsement of Nikki Haley during her 2024 primary challenge against Trump.
An Innovative Communication Strategies poll shows Norman leading with 18.6 percent support, followed by Graham at 16.3 percent and Fry at 11.7 percent. Trump's preferred candidate, former Congressman Trey Gowdy, has expressed no interest in returning to Washington.
Trump's endorsement is seen as a gamble, with some DC insiders believing his support and Lindsey Graham's former staff will provide Nordone with a strong advantage in fundraising and voter appeal. A former Graham staffer described Nordone as "witty" and possessing a "good sense of humor," suggesting she could connect with voters.
This is not the first time Trump's endorsements have faced scrutiny in South Carolina. He previously endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in the gubernatorial primary, later making a rare double endorsement of Attorney General Alan Wilson when Evette appeared to be losing. Senator Tim Scott, who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has not yet endorsed a candidate, with the filing deadline approaching on July 28. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also stated he does not plan to endorse in the primary.
Several other candidates have filed to run, including businessman Mark Lynch, attorney Duke Buckner, former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride, Samuel Shepherd, and Clark Neilson. Former Congressman Mark Sanford also announced his candidacy on Thursday.
Darline Graham Nordone has already taken steps to align herself with Trump's agenda, endorsing the Save America Act, an election security bill favored by the former president. She is scheduled to attend her brother's funeral next Tuesday before fully engaging in her campaign.
The special election is scheduled for August 11.