Darline Graham in serious discussions about running for Lindsey Graham's seat
Darline Graham indicated in a White House meeting Thursday that she's weighing a bid, CBS News confirmed.
Updated on: July 17, 2026 / 3:44 PM EDT / CBS News
Sen. Darline Graham of South Carolina, who was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the death of her brother, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, is engaged in serious discussions about running for a full Senate term. And she has President Trump's support.
A day after her visit to the White House, Mr. Trump publicly encouraged Darline Graham to run, promising his "Complete and Total Endorsement" if she decides to enter the race. Calling her a "spectacular person," the president said he asked Darline Graham to run for Senate during the White House meeting.
"I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey," Mr. Trump wrote in a Friday afternoon Truth Social post. "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!"
Semafor first reported that Darline Graham is considering running.