President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), in the upcoming special election to replace him as the GOP candidate on the November ballot. Nordone has not publicly confirmed her plans to run, but Trump's endorsement may position her favorably against other GOP candidates.
The winner of the November election will serve until January 2033. Nordone was sworn in earlier this week to complete her brother's term, which ends on January 3, 2027. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026." He expressed hope that she would honor her brother's legacy and emphasized her qualifications.
Nordone, who has not held public office prior to her recent appointment by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R), is reportedly exploring her options regarding a full Senate term. She became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate following her brother's sudden death last week. Candidates can file to run in the special election from July 21 to 28.