Key facts
- President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham for the South Carolina U.S. Senate seat.
- Darline Graham was appointed to fill the vacant seat following her brother Lindsey Graham's death.
- Ralph Norman announced his intention to run for the Senate seat.
- The special primary election filing period is July 21-28, with the primary on August 11.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, for the U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina. Trump announced his endorsement on social media, urging her to run for the permanent position. Darline Graham was recently appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to serve the remainder of her brother's term, which concludes in January. Lindsey Graham passed away last weekend at age 71. Plans for his funeral services have been set for July 28 in Washington and July 29 in South Carolina. Trump's endorsement significantly alters the landscape for the upcoming special primary election, for which the filing period is July 21-28 and the primary is scheduled for August 11. U.S. Representative Ralph Norman announced he plans to run for the seat. Other politicians, including Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Nancy Mace, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, are also reportedly considering bids. Senator Tim Scott stated he would refrain from endorsing any primary candidate due to his role as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.