President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, saying he asked Nordone to run in the special Republican primary on August 11, 2026.
Background
Nordone was recently appointed to fill her brother’s seat by Governor Henry McMaster. Trump’s endorsement may give her an edge in the election, but some Republicans are skeptical of her chances. A recent Emerson College poll found that 40% of Republican voters said Trump’s endorsement would not impact their vote.
Other candidates, including Congressmen Russell Fry and William Timmons, had expressed interest in running for the seat. However, Trump’s endorsement may deter some from entering the race. Filing for the election opens on July 21 and runs through July 28.
Implications
Trump’s endorsement of Nordone has sparked speculation about the future of the Senate seat. Some analysts believe that Nordone’s appointment and potential election could help maintain the existing legislative and political teams in place. Others are more skeptical, citing the challenges she may face in the election.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
