Donald Trump says "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!" urging Graham's sister to run for Senate seat

Following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Nordone, as an interim replacement—a move widely seen as a temporary honor before a special primary election. However, former President Donald Trump has now publicly urged Nordone to run in that primary for the full six-year term beginning in January, posting on Truth Social that she would best honor her brother’s legacy, calling her a lifelong winner, and telling her to “run.” Nordone has not yet announced her candidacy but is reportedly considering it. The primary is scheduled for August 11, with less than a month remaining. Nordone has never held elected office; her background includes service on South Carolina’s Commission for the Blind and a communications role with the state’s vocational rehabilitation department. Other announced candidates include businessman Mark Lynch, Representative Ralph Norman, and lawyer Duke Buckner.