Key facts
- President Donald Trump is backing Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, for a full Senate term in South Carolina.
- Trump's endorsement faces resistance from some Republican voters and rivals who believe the seat should be decided by a competitive primary.
- Darline Graham was appointed to fill her brother's vacant seat and is now seeking election to a full term.
- Critics question Graham's qualifications and eligibility, citing her lack of a public record and a state party rule on primary voting.
- Despite challenges, Graham is leading in opinion polls, with Ralph Norman, Russell Fry, and Mark Sanford vying for a potential runoff spot.
President Donald Trump's attempt to secure a Senate seat for Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, in South Carolina is facing significant pushback from within the Republican party. Trump has publicly endorsed Graham, calling her appointment a "fabulous tribute" and promising his "Complete and Total Endorsement" for the upcoming special election.
However, some Republican voters and rivals argue that the seat should be decided through a competitive primary, rather than being handed to Graham due to her brother's legacy. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expressed that conservative voters are displeased with Trump's intervention, suggesting his endorsements are no longer sufficient to guarantee victory. She supports U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, advocating for a "tried and true conservative" to be elected.
Despite leading in opinion polls, Darline Graham faces scrutiny from Republican donors who question her qualifications and public engagement, suggesting she has relied on her brother's name and the grieving process. Graham herself has indicated that politics was not her desired path but felt compelled to step up to continue her brother's legacy.
At least nine candidates are vying for the Republican nomination. Critics, including Mark Lynch and Nancy Mace, have raised concerns about Graham's eligibility based on state party rules requiring prior primary voting. Lynch described the situation as a "coronation" and argued that while she may be suitable as an interim senator, she is not qualified to run for office.
Recent polls indicate Graham holds a double-digit lead, with Norman, U.S. Representative Russell Fry, and former Governor Mark Sanford competing for the second spot in a potential runoff election.