Darline Graham Officially Appointed to Fill Brother's Senate Seat
Darline Graham officially appointed to fill her brother's vacant Senate seat.
Event / Politics
South Carolina Senate 2026
Special election process following Senator Lindsey Graham's death in July 2026. Governor McMaster appointed interim replacement; primary scheduled for Republican nomination.
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2026-08-14 to 2026-11-11 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 18 Jul, 02:30 UTC
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What happened
Trump endorses Darline Graham Nordone for full Senate term
President Trump endorsed Darline Graham Nordone to run for a full six-year Senate term in the special Republican primary scheduled for August 11, 2026. Trump met with Nordone in the Oval Office and stated she has his 'complete and total endorsement' in a Truth Social post on July 17.
South Carolina Senate special election primary scheduled for August 11, 2026
A Republican primary election to select a candidate for the South Carolina Senate seat is scheduled for August 11, 2026. Candidate filing opens July 21 and closes July 28, with early voting from August 5-7. If no candidate wins over 50 percent, a runoff is set for August 25. The general election will be held in November 2026 against Democratic candidate Dr. Annie Andrews.
Senator Lindsey Graham dies after cardiac episode
Senator Lindsey Graham, who had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003, passed away on July 11 after suffering a cardiac episode following a trip to Ukraine. He had won the Republican primary for his Senate seat in June before his death.
Emerson College poll shows no clear frontrunner in Senate race
An Emerson College poll released on July 16, 2026, showed no clear favorite among potential Republican primary candidates, though Ralph Norman led Lynch, Nancy Mace, and other contenders in hypothetical matchups.
Darline Graham Nordone appointed to fill brother's Senate seat
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to serve out her late brother's Senate term. She was sworn in on July 14, 2026. Nordone had previously worked in disability services and served as a commissioner on the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Multiple Republican candidates emerge for South Carolina Senate primary
Several candidates have announced or emerged as possible contenders for the Republican primary, including Mark Lynch (who lost the June primary to Graham), South Carolina Representatives Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, Sheri Biggs, and Russell Fry, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, former Representative Trey Gowdy, former Governor Mark Sanford, and Governor Henry McMaster.
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2 alternative perspectives
Graham's legacy honored through memorial service and Senate action
Graham honored through funeral, memorial service, and Senate sanctions tribute.
Republican primary field solidifies ahead of August Senate vote
Republican primary field solidifies for August 11 vote with no clear frontrunner emerging.
South Carolina Republicans set August 11 primary date for Senate race
South Carolina's Republican Senate primary is set for August 11, 2026.
Fry enters crowded Republican primary as Trump backs ally
Rep. Fry announces Senate bid with Trump backing; Republican primary remains unsettled.
Democrat Annie Andrews wins South Carolina Senate primary
Democrat Annie Andrews wins South Carolina Senate primary, advances to general election.
Republican primary field expands with new candidates entering race
Republican primary field expands as Norman and Lynch announce campaigns for Senate seat.
Trump Endorses Graham as Primary Battle Sets for August
Trump endorses Darline Graham for full Senate term ahead of August primary.
South Carolina mourns Senator Graham, tributes pour in
Senator Lindsey Graham, 71, dies; funeral services planned.
Graham Seat Succession Fight Intensifies as Primary Nears
Graham's sister seeks full term after appointment; crowded Republican primary ahead.