Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to run in the South Carolina special election for the U.S. Senate. While Nordone has not yet confirmed her candidacy, the endorsement marks a significant development in the race to fill the seat following the senator’s death last week. If she chooses to run, she would compete in the special Republican primary scheduled for August 11, 2026.
The vacancy arose after the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, who had served as a prominent figure in South Carolina politics for decades. Following his death, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to fulfill the remainder of the current term, which is set to expire on January 3, 2027. Nordone was officially sworn into the Senate this past Tuesday, making her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the upper chamber of Congress.
The Path to the Special Election
The upcoming special election will determine who serves the remainder of the term through January 2033. According to state election guidelines, the filing window for prospective candidates is set for July 21 through July 28, 2026.
In a post on Truth Social this past Friday, Donald Trump urged Nordone to enter the contest, stating, “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.” Trump further emphasized his support by noting, “I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey.” He described her as a “winner” and pledged his “Complete and Total Endorsement” should she decide to launch a campaign.
Political Implications of the Endorsement
The endorsement from the former president is expected to reshape the field of potential Republican contenders. Because the late Senator Graham never married and had no children, Nordone was widely recognized as his closest family member.
Whether this endorsement will deter other high-profile GOP candidates from entering the race remains to be seen. As of late this week, Nordone’s Senate office had not provided a formal response regarding her political intentions, and reports suggest she is currently exploring her options.
Legislative Timeline and Next Steps
The winner of the upcoming special election will be responsible for representing South Carolina in the Senate for the duration of the term ending in early 2033.
Further developments in this race are expected as potential candidates finalize their decisions ahead of the filing deadline.
Worth a look