Darline Graham appeared at a campaign event in Lexington, South Carolina on Saturday to launch her bid in a special Republican primary election scheduled for August 11. Graham is serving in an interim capacity to complete her brother’s current Senate term following his recent death from an aortic tear, which occurred approximately three weeks before the event.
Graham told attendees she did not previously envision a political career for herself but said she decided to enter the race after receiving encouragement from President Donald Trump. She emphasized that while she lacks extensive political experience, she brings practical understanding of policy issues including budgeting and healthcare costs. Graham stated her intention to represent South Carolina’s interests and advance Trump’s policy priorities.
The Saturday gathering featured nine Republican candidates competing in the primary, each allocated five minutes for remarks. Other candidates included former Governor Mark Sanford, U.S. Representatives Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, and several other state and local political figures. Sanford focused his remarks on fiscal concerns, while Norman highlighted his support for the SAVE America Act, described as a Trump administration priority. Fry discussed his background and values, citing faith and hard work.
Following the speeches, an informal straw poll was conducted among attendees, in which Graham secured the top position ahead of Fry and Norman. Some voters indicated they remained undecided, citing the compressed timeline and multiple strong candidacies. A runoff election has been scheduled for August 25 if no candidate secures a majority in the primary. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the subsequent general election.
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