Nordone to launch bid for Graham's Senate seat

Sen. https://www.axios.com/2026/07/13/lindsey-graham-senate-replacement-darline-nordone" target="_blank">Darline Graham Nordone (R-S.C.) confirmed on Monday that she's jumping into the GOP race for her late brother https://www.axios.com/2026/07/12/lindsey-graham-dies-suddenly-71" target="_blank">Lindsey Graham's Senate seat.

Why it matters: President https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">Trump endorsed Nordone last week, giving her a boost ahead of the filing period for the seat, which opens Tuesday.

What they're saying: "I'm in," Nordone said when asked in a Fox News https://x.com/FoxNews/status/2079270238902693913" target="_blank">interview clip posted on X Monday.

• "It is a tremendous amount of pressure," she said, referring to both her decision to run and Trump's endorsement.
• "I'll continue to say I've been praying a lot, talking to my family.

  But with the love of my family, with the support of his staff, I know I'm a hard worker.

  I learned that from Lindsey.

  He cared about the people of this state.

  I've worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state."

• The full interview will air Monday night on Fox News' "Hannity."

Catch up quick: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) appointed Nordone last week to replace her brother after his sudden death.

• She has never held public office and previously worked to help people with disabilities find employment.

Zoom out: The https://scvotes.gov/u-s-senate-special-republican-party-filing-primary/" target="_blank">filing period for the special election closes July 28.

• South Carolinians will vote in an Aug. 11 Republican primary, with the winner advancing to the November ballot to face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews.
• The winner of November's contest will hold Graham's former seat for the full six-year term.
• Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/ralph-norman-launches-campaign-replace-lindsey-graham-senate-rcna588189" target="_blank">confirmed on Saturday that he was hopping into the race, as did Rep. Russell Fry https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5978093-fry-seeks-graham-senate-seat/" target="_blank">on Monday (R-S.C.).

  Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said she will not run for the seat on Monday, despite https://www.axios.com/2026/07/12/lindsey-graham-nancy-mace-south-carolina-senate" target="_blank">"strongly considering" it before Trump endorsed Nordone.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information throughout.