Sen. Darline Graham said Monday she is running for a full term to replace her late brother, Sen — Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, according to an interview clip with Fox News host Sean Hannity. The decision adds another layer of complexity to an already rushed Republican primary process following the death of Lindsey Graham earlier this month.

Endorsement and Timeline

Last week, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term, which ends in January, though In his announcement, McMaster did not suggest that Darline Graham was a placeholder. However, a source close to the governor said he had not expected her to run for the seat herself.

President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Darline Graham, calling for her to run and saying she has his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” Trump had previously suggested supporting Rep. Russell Fry. Who announced his official entry into the special primary on Monday — a filing period for the special Republican primary opened Tuesday and runs until July 28, with the primary set for August 11.

Eligibility Questions

Despite Trump’s backing. Some within the Republican Party have raised concerns about Darline Graham’s eligibility to run, but CJ Westall, chair of the Dorchester County Republican Party, questioned whether she meets the party’s qualifications to appear on the ballot. According to reporting from FITS News, Darline Graham had not voted in enough recent statewide primaries to qualify, according to Westall’s claims.

Darline Graham’s spokesperson responded by sharing records showing she had voted in runoffs and primaries. Westall, however, still called for the state GOP to review her eligibility. “She voted in the 2026 Republican statewide primary and a local election in 2024, but that’s not a statewide primary,” he said during an interview with Andy Weber, FOX8’s chief political correspondent.

Field of Candidates

As of Tuesday afternoon, five candidates had filed to run for the seat, including businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Lindsey Graham in the original primary in June. Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman have also announced their candidacy, though they have yet to formally file. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has also been considered a potential candidate, while Rep. Nancy Mace announced Monday that she would not enter the race.

Darline Graham’s candidacy has created a political scramble within South Carolina’s Republican Party. While she holds the backing of the former president and a prominent family name, the questions about her qualifications and the short timeline have created uncertainty among voters and party leaders alike.