Former President Donald Trump has publicly urged Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to run for a full term in the U.S. Senate. Trump announced his intention to offer her his "Complete and Total Endorsement" in a post on his Truth Social platform Friday.
Graham Nordone was appointed on Monday by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to temporarily fill the Senate seat vacated by her brother's recent death. She was sworn in on Tuesday and will serve until the next Congress convenes in January. Republicans seeking the full term will compete in a special primary election scheduled for August 11.
"She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot. Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina," Trump stated in his Truth Social post. "I asked Darline, 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 Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey."
Trump also praised Graham Nordone's family background and called her a "WINNER all of her life." He added that should she decide to run, she has his "Complete and Total Endorsement."
Graham Nordone's appointment marks several significant firsts for the Senate and South Carolina. She is the state's first female senator and the first sister to be appointed to the chamber. Sources familiar with the deliberations told The Associated Press that Graham Nordone has been discussing a potential campaign for a full term.
The filing period for the special primary runs from July 21 to July 28. Other notable South Carolina politicians, including Representatives Russell Fry, Nancy Mace, and Ralph Norman, as well as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, are reportedly considering runs for the seat.