Darline Graham Nordone Signals Senate Run After Lindsey Graham's Death

Following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11 from an arterial tear, Darline Graham Nordone was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to fill the vacancy in the U.S. Senate. After being urged by President Donald Trump to seek a full six-year term, Nordone released a letter to South Carolina constituents on July 20 stating it is "time for me to step up for South Carolina," though she has not yet formally announced her candidacy.

U.S. Representative Ralph Norman announced his own bid on July 18, positioning himself as a conservative fighter for the Trump legislative agenda, including the SAVE America Act and the elimination of the Senate filibuster. Norman has received endorsements from Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee. Other Republican candidates include attorney Duke Buckner and businessman Mark Lynch, while Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Representative Nancy Mace have been cited as potential candidates.

A memorial service for Lindsey Graham is scheduled for July 28 in Washington, D.C., with subsequent events on July 29 in Columbia and Pickens County, South Carolina. The filing period for the Republican special primary runs from July 21 to July 28, with the primary scheduled for August 11 and a potential runoff on August 25. The winner will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in the general election on November 3.