Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 20
Darline Graham Enters South Carolina Senate Race for 6-Year Term as August 11 Primary Nears
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 20

Darline Graham Enters South Carolina Senate Race for 6-Year Term as August 11 Primary Nears

3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 20

Summary

  • Darline Graham said on Fox News she will seek a full six-year Senate term in South Carolina, days after Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to finish Lindsey Graham’s term through January 2027.
  • Trump had urged her to run and the filing deadline opens July 21, accelerating a decision that several South Carolina Republicans said they had not expected when she accepted the temporary appointment.
  • Russell Fry joined the contest Monday, casting himself as a MAGA conservative; Ralph Norman, Duke Buckner and Mark Lynch are already running in the August 11 Republican special primary.
  • John Thune withheld an endorsement while calling Graham a strong candidate, underscoring that Republican voters will settle a compressed race for a rare open Senate seat after Lindsey Graham’s death at 71.

Insights

Can a career civil servant with no elected experience win a competitive Senate primary against seasoned politicians?
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