Trump urges Darline Graham to run for full Senate term as funeral scheduled for Lindsey Graham - AP News

• 01President Donald Trump announced via social media that he provides 'Complete and Total Endorsement' to Darline Graham for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham.
• 02South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s term, which ends in January.
• 03Darline Graham was sworn in by the Senate on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
• 04Lindsey Graham died at age 71 on a Saturday; a preliminary medical examiner report indicated he suffered a tear in his aorta.
• 05The filing period for the special primary to fill the Senate seat runs from July 21 to July 28, with the primary scheduled for August 11.
• 06Trump stated he had discussed a potential campaign with Darline Graham at the White House, and four people familiar with the deliberations reported she privately expressed interest in running.
• 07Other politicians eyeing a run for the seat include Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
• 08Plans for Lindsey Graham’s funeral include a service in Washington on July 28 and additional services in South Carolina on July 29.
• 09Darline Graham, previously the legal ward of her older brother after their parents died when she was 13, stated, 'Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him,' upon being sworn in.
• 10Sen. Tim Scott said he would not endorse a candidate officially as NRSC chairman but indicated he might participate as a voter, noting, 'Why not her?' regarding Darline Graham as a contender.

These words or phrases carry political, emotional, or ideological loading in the original article. Use Link Launderer to see them highlighted in context.

President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by her late brother Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly from an aortic tear. Governor Henry McMaster had already appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of the term through January, and she was sworn in as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. The filing period for the special primary opens July 21, with several Republican politicians now considering a run for the position.