SOUTH CAROLINA — Darline Graham is engaged in serious discussions about running for a full U.S. Senate term in South Carolina after indicating she is weighing a Senate bid during a White House meeting on Thursday. President Trump publicly encouraged Darline Graham to run for the U.S. Senate and promised his "Complete and Total Endorsement" if she enters the race.

"RUN, DARLINE, RUN!" President Trump wrote, adding, "I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey." Trump stated he asked Darline Graham to run for Senate during the White House meeting.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham on Monday to fill the remainder of Lindsey Graham's Senate term, and she was sworn in as a U.S. Senator on Tuesday. The appointed Senate term for Darline Graham ends in early January 2027. She is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.

Darline Graham is 62 years old and previously served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. She does not have a background in elected office. South Carolina is holding a special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate on August 11, with the filing period running from July 21 to July 28. The winner of the special Republican primary will compete in the state's November general election for a six-year Senate term.

"Darline has so far been off to a remarkable start," said Tim Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "Why not her?"

"Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him," Darline Graham said.

Lindsey Graham died on Saturday, July 11, at age 71. A preliminary report from the medical examiner stated Lindsey Graham died from an aortic dissection. He served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994.

Lindsey Graham was born in 1955 in Central, South Carolina, where his parents, Millie and Florence James Graham, owned a restaurant, bar, and pool hall. He served as a judge advocate general in the U.S. Air Force.

A memorial service for Lindsey Graham is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, in Washington, D.C. Memorial services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, in Columbia and Pickens County, South Carolina. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster ordered flags atop the State Capitol to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Lindsey Graham.

Tim Scott stated that efforts were being made for Lindsey Graham to lie in state at the Capitol. "I think my understanding is the offer has been made to lie in state," Scott said.

Darline Graham's potential campaign represents a continuation of the Graham family's political legacy in South Carolina. As the first woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate, her decision to seek a full term will shape the Republican primary field and the state's representation in Washington. President Trump's public endorsement signals strong support from the party's leadership at a critical moment in the race.

The special primary election on August 11 will determine the Republican nominee for a six-year Senate term, making this one of the most consequential races in South Carolina politics this year. With the filing period opening July 21, potential candidates have a narrow window to enter the race as Darline Graham considers her next steps.