‘I’m in.’ Darline Graham says she will run for a full term in Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-20 14:40:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Issues “Complete and Total Endorsement” for Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate Race
On Friday, President Donald Trump publicly declared his support for Darline Graham as she entered the race to fill the Senate seat left vacant by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Trump announced that Darline Graham had his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to seek the Republican nomination, emphatically urging, “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”
Trump’s Role in the Scramble for Graham’s Seat
Darline Graham was sworn in last week to serve the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s term, which expires in January. Her decision to run for a full term adds another layer of complexity to the already crowded and accelerated process to select a new Republican nominee. The special primary is set for August 11, with the filing period opening Tuesday.
Trump’s endorsement comes after he had previously indicated he might support Rep. Russell Fry, who has also entered the race. Several other prominent South Carolina Republicans are considering or have announced their candidacies, making Trump’s backing a potentially decisive factor in the primary.
No Evidence of False Claims or Attacks in Trump’s Statement
In his remarks, Trump did not make any false claims, distortions, or attacks on other candidates or individuals. His statement was limited to an enthusiastic endorsement of Darline Graham’s candidacy. The excerpt does not include any fact-checked exaggerations or misstatements from Trump regarding the Senate race or the candidates involved.
Conclusion
President Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham marks a significant development in the race for South Carolina’s open Senate seat. While Trump’s statement was clear and emphatic, it did not include any of the falsehoods or disparagements that have characterized some of his past political commentary. As the Republican field takes shape, Trump’s support is likely to play a major role in the outcome of the upcoming primary.