COLUMBIA, S.C. — Newly appointed U.S. Sen. Darline Graham has quietly begun considering whether to seek a full Senate term on her own, three people with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press. Those sources, who were not authorized to speak on the record, said she has already begun holding conversations about a possible campaign.
Darline Graham was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster earlier this week to serve out the remainder of her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate term, which expires in January. When McMaster made the announcement on Monday, he did not describe the appointment as temporary or symbolic in nature.
Darline Graham made history with the appointment, becoming the first woman ever to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. At the announcement, she described the moment as “such an honor,” while many of her brother’s former staffers and campaign advisers stood behind her, visibly emotional.
“Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him,” she said.
Lindsey Graham passed away last Saturday at the age of 71. A preliminary finding from the medical examiner indicated he died from a tear in his aorta. He never married and had no children, though his sister was a frequent presence throughout his political career, appearing at events and even in some of his campaign advertisements.
Funeral arrangements were announced Friday. A service will be held in Washington on July 28, followed by additional services in South Carolina on July 29.
If Darline Graham decides to enter the race for a full term, her decision could significantly upend the field of candidates already positioning themselves for the contest. The filing window for a special primary opens July 21 and closes July 28, with the primary election itself set for August 11.
A number of other prominent South Carolina politicians have already been eyeing the race, including Reps. Russell Fry, Nancy Mace, and Ralph Norman, along with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
Darline Graham’s interest in running was first reported by Semafor.
