After the news broke that Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) suddenly passed away, it did not take long for the speculation to start swirling on who might fill the vacant seat. But within hours, it was pretty quickly decided by South Carolina Republican Governor Henry McMaster that since it's just a handful of months, his sister Darline Graham Nordone would do the honors. He had a little help from President Trump, as my colleague Teri Christoph noted:
Trump, Graham's once-bitter political rival who had grown very close to the four-term senator over the years, took to Truth Social on Monday morning to drop his suggestion on who should serve as South Carolina's interim senator: Lindsey Graham's "wonderful" sister, Darline Graham Nordone.
And indeed, Graham Nordone was sworn in by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on Tuesday, after a solemn visit to the Senate chamber to pay tribute to her older brother.
SC Gov. McMaster Taps Darline Graham Nordone to Fulfill the Rest of Lindsey Graham's Term (Updated)
But something else happened that day. Pres. Trump welcomed her to the Senate during a visit to the Oval Office and in his Truth Social post about it, endorsed Graham Nordone, if she decides to run for the seat in the August 11 special election:
It was my Honor to welcome now Senator Darline Graham Nordone (The sister of the Late, Great Lindsey Graham!), from the Wonderful State of South Carolina, into the Oval Office. We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot.… pic.twitter.com/RaiLdILpTX
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) July 17, 2026
As my colleague at sister site Townhall, Joseph Chalfant, wrote earlier on Saturday, usually that would be awkward for someone who's decided to run, like Conservative Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05) just did this morning:
It’s official! I’m running to represent the people of South Carolina in the U.S. Senate because we need a fighter who will stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham’s legacy! I’ve spent years fighting for the Palmetto State in the state house, in Congress, and now I…
— Ralph Norman (@RalphNorman) July 18, 2026
It’s official! I’m running to represent the people of South Carolina in the U.S. Senate because we need a fighter who will stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham’s legacy! I’ve spent years fighting for the Palmetto State in the state house, in Congress, and now I want to get the SAVE America Act passed in the Senate! Check out our website and join our fight!
Chalfant wrote that the House Freedom Caucus member asked the president for his endorsement, but played it cool in a Fox News interview: (emphasis added)
🚨 JUST IN: Rep. Ralph Norman launches campaign for Lindsey Graham's US SENATE seat in South Carolina, saying he supports nuking the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 18, 2026
Norman is endorsed by Mike Lee and Rick Scott, while President Trump has endorsed Darline Graham — Lindsey… pic.twitter.com/leJqewWULw
Norman says that he requested Trump’s endorsement when he made his decision to enter the race, but Trump chose to go with Graham Nordone instead. Still, Norman intends to win the nomination, telling Fox News’ Kayleigh McEnany that “I respect that, but that doesn't deter my plans. I'm in this to win.”
The Palmetto State representative gave a preview of how he would jump on America First priorities on "Day One," if voters elect him:
I will be laser-focused on passing President Trump's America First, and that starts with the SAVE America Act, we'll nuke the filibuster, and I will be a vocal vote. It's important to make this happen. It's not happening in the Senate right now.
You can say that again. Among the other Republicans vying for the seat are attorney Duke Buckner, and businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Graham in the June GOP primary.
Stay tuned, readers!
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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