LEXINGTON, S.C. — Darline Graham made her political debut before hundreds of Republican voters in South Carolina on Saturday. She won an informal straw poll at the event, finishing ahead of U.S. Rep. Russell Fry and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman.

Graham is serving in an interim U.S. Senate role to fulfill the term of her brother, Lindsey Graham. President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham and urged her to enter the race for the seat.

"I certainly never expected to be on this stage, giving this stump speech," Darline Graham said. She addressed the crowd in Lexington after being appointed to the position earlier in the month.

"I've never had any desire to be a politician. I'm here today because I'm answering President Trump's call to serve. I want to stand up for South Carolina, and I want to fight for President Trump's agenda," Darline Graham said. Her appearance marked the first time she has campaigned for elected office.

Lindsey Graham died from an aortic tear on July 11, 2026, three weeks prior to the forum. Funeral services for the late senator took place in Washington and South Carolina days before the event. Darline Graham has held the junior United States senator seat from South Carolina since July 14, 2026.

Lindsey Graham represented South Carolina in the United States Senate from 2003 until his death in 2026. Darline Graham is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the United States Senate. Nine Republicans are seeking to replace Lindsey Graham in a special primary election set for Aug. 11.

All nine candidates spoke for five minutes each at the event in Lexington. Other candidates speaking at the event included Duke Buckner, Mark Lynch, Mark McBride, Glenda Gail Parker, and Sam Shepherd. Attendees participated in an informal straw poll after the speeches concluded.

Former Gov. Mark Sanford warned against deficit spending and debt accumulation during his speech. U.S. Rep. Norman cited endorsements from Sens. Rick Scott and Mike Lee.

Norman also expressed support for the SAVE America Act voting bill. Norman has served as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 5th congressional district since 2017.

U.S. Rep. Fry described his family values as belief in God, hard work, and blue-collar hustle. Charles Brentnell stated his top three candidate picks were Norman, Fry, and Darline Graham. "Let’s keep the Senate in the Senate, instead of taking a month off," Charles Brentnell said.

Gary Atkinson stated he was leaning toward picking Norman but liked what he heard from several candidates. Gary Atkinson previously supported Lindsey Graham but disagreed with him on issues such as the war with Iran. A runoff election will be held on Aug.

25 if needed. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.

Darline Graham's entry into the race follows an endorsement from President Donald Trump, adding a national dimension to the contest. Her victory in the informal straw poll suggests early support among active Republican voters in the state. The field includes established figures such as Norman and Fry, as well as former Governor Mark Sanford, creating a competitive dynamic for the nomination.

Why It Matters

The special primary determines who will complete the Senate term following Lindsey Graham's death, with nine Republicans competing for the nomination. Darline Graham's interim status and endorsement from President Donald Trump introduce a national dimension to the contest as she seeks to become the first woman to represent South Carolina in the chamber. The outcome of the August 11 vote will decide which candidate advances to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.