Darline Graham tests value of a famous name vs. lack of experience in South Carolina primary
Darline Graham, appointed to fill the Senate seat left vacant by her late brother Lindsey Graham, is seeking the Republican nomination to serve a full term in South Carolina. Her campaign tests whether the recognition and goodwill attached to the Graham name, along with backing from President Donald Trump, can outweigh voter concerns about her limited political experience. The contest matters because it will determine the Republican candidate for a seat in a strongly Republican state.
Some Republican voters said they respected Graham and supported her temporary appointment but questioned whether she was ready for elected office. She faces nine other candidates in Tuesday’s special primary, while the National Republican Senatorial Committee is running television adverts supporting her. Graham has highlighted her recent Senate work and support for Trump’s agenda, including changing filibuster rules to pass stricter proof-of-citizenship voting legislation.
- Graham’s name recognition faces a test against experience concerns.
- Trump and Senate Republicans are backing her campaign.
- Tuesday’s primary will choose the Republican nominee.
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Republican Darline Graham took over her brother Lindsey Graham's US Senate seat by appointment after his death, and is now trying to win a special primary in South Carolina to keep the seat for a full term. Because South Carolina leans strongly Republican, the winner of this primary is likely to go on to hold the seat, making the contest effectively the decisive race.
Graham's central advantage is her family name, well known to South Carolina voters after her brother's long Senate career, along with an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Her main challenge is a lack of prior elected experience, which some Republican voters say makes them unsure she is ready for the job despite respecting her and her appointment.
She is one of ten candidates competing in Tuesday's primary, and has drawn support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which is airing adverts on her behalf. She has pointed to her short time in the Senate so far, including backing changes to Senate voting rules to help pass stricter proof-of-citizenship voting requirements, as evidence of her ability to serve.