Tributes, and Politics Too, at Lindsey Graham’s Funeral in South Carolina
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-29 18:47:00 — www.nytimes.com
President Trump has endorsed Senator Darline Graham, the sister of the late Lindsey Graham, to run for the Senate seat left vacant by her brother’s passing. This endorsement has become a central dynamic in the crowded and competitive Republican primary in South Carolina.
Trump’s Influence on the South Carolina Senate Race
The late Senator Lindsey Graham was described as a favorite of President Trump and the Washington establishment, even as his relationship with South Carolina’s Republican voters was sometimes uneasy. Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term and to run for the next one has set her apart in a field of nine candidates, many of whom are seeking to distance themselves from aspects of Lindsey Graham’s record.
The Trump Factor and the MAGA Base
The excerpt highlights that some hard-line conservatives in South Carolina never forgave Lindsey Graham for his sharp criticism of Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary. Others in the MAGA base have viewed Graham’s hawkish foreign policy, particularly his support for war with Iran, as contrary to the “America First” approach that Trump promoted during his presidency.
Darline Graham’s campaign has received support not only from Trump but also from political committees previously aligned with her brother. However, the endorsement has not deterred other candidates, including Representative Russell Fry, who brands himself as a “conservative MAGA candidate,” from challenging her in the upcoming primary.
Conclusion
President Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham underscores his continued influence over Republican politics in South Carolina, especially among the party’s base. As the candidates compete to define themselves in the shadow of both Lindsey Graham’s legacy and Trump’s ongoing role in the GOP, the race serves as a clear example of how Trump’s backing remains a powerful—if sometimes divisive—force in Republican primaries.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/29/us/politics/lindsey-graham-funeral-south-carolina.html