Republican lawmaker Ralph Norman to join race to succeed Lindsey Graham in South Carolina | South Carolina
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-18 14:14:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Endorses Darline Graham for South Carolina Senate Seat, Igniting GOP Primary Battle
Donald Trump has thrown his “Complete and Total Endorsement” behind Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, as she considers running in the special GOP primary to fill her brother’s Senate seat in South Carolina. Trump made his support clear on Truth Social, declaring, “Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina – SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”
Trump’s endorsement comes as Republican Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina announced his own campaign for the seat, despite having sought Trump’s support and not receiving it. Norman told CNN, “I wanted [Trump’s] blessing to run and get his support. He decided to go with Darline, who’s a nice person, and he decided to go with her. And so I respect that. But it doesn’t deter my plans. I’m in this to win.”
The special GOP primary is set for August 11, with a possible runoff on August 25. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November midterms. Trump’s influence was also evident in Darline Graham’s interim appointment to the Senate by South Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, just three days after Lindsey Graham’s death. This marks the first time a sibling has replaced a senator who died in office, and Darline Graham is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.
Trump has made the passage of the restrictive Save America Act a legislative priority and has signaled support for eliminating the Senate filibuster to advance his agenda. Norman, now running without Trump’s endorsement, has pledged to focus on passing Trump’s “America first” agenda and the Save America Act if elected.
Trump’s direct involvement in the South Carolina Senate race underscores his ongoing influence over the Republican Party and the direction of its legislative priorities. As the primary approaches, the contest between Trump-backed Darline Graham and other GOP hopefuls, including Norman, will serve as a key test of Trump’s sway among South Carolina Republicans.
Conclusion
Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham and his legislative priorities remain central to the unfolding Senate race in South Carolina. The outcome will not only determine who succeeds Lindsey Graham but also signal the strength of Trump’s grip on the GOP as candidates vie for his approval and the support of Republican voters.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/18/us-house-ralph-norman-south-carolina-lindsey-graham