Darline Graham Wins South Carolina GOP Senate Primary Runoff

Death of Senator Lindsey Graham·Latest event August 28, 2026

Aug 26

Darline Graham Wins South Carolina GOP Senate Primary Runoff

Darline Graham secured the Republican nomination to fill her late brother's seat. She defeated Representative Ralph Norman in a primary runoff on Wednesday. Graham received a key endorsement from Trump. This victory solidifies her position as the frontrunner for the November special election. During his concession speech, supporters of Norman booed Trump. Norman acknowledged the influence of the endorsement on the race. Analysts suggest the win shows Trump remains a kingmaker in South Carolina. However, Democrats expressed optimism about their chances in the general election. They cited Graham's status as a political newcomer. This transition follows a presidential proclamation honoring the late senator's career.

Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP nomination to replace her late brother in U.S. SenateNorman supporters boo Trump during concession speechDemocrats see glimmer of hope in South Carolina after Darline Graham's win

Jul 28

Trump and world leaders honor Lindsey Graham at Washington memorial services

Memorial services at the Capitol rotunda highlighted Graham's life and his death from an aortic dissection. Trump led the tributes, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune shared remembrances of Graham's humor and influence. Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington to honor their ally and meet with Trump. Graham's death has raised concerns about a void in American support for Israel and Ukraine. In South Carolina, Darline Graham participated in a Republican primary debate to replace her brother. Trump's memorial tributes at the Capitol underscored Graham's long career as a foreign policy adviser.

President Trump to Lead Tributes to Lindsey Graham at Washington FuneralThune gets choked up during funeral service while recalling Graham's humorNetanyahu and Zelenskyy to arrive in Washington for Graham funeral: with hopes of winning Trump's ear

Jul 14

Darline Graham Nordone to be sworn in as successor to late Senator Lindsey Graham

Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to fill the vacancy following the death of her brother. Senator Tommy Tuberville said Graham reported chest pains and requested emergency services shortly before he died. Medical reports confirmed the senator passed away from an aortic dissection after returning from an overseas trip. Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through July 18 to honor the long-serving senator. Analysts suggest Graham's absence creates uncertainty for U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and pending sanctions against Russia. The loss of a key power broker and the absence of Mitch McConnell threaten the broader Republican legislative agenda.

Lindsey Graham's Sister To Be Sworn In Tuesday To Fill His Senate SeatSen. Lindsey Graham told his scheduler he had 'chest pains' and to call 911'Did you call 911?' Tuberville recounts Graham's frantic final phone call

Jul 14

Senate Republicans mourn Graham as Trump questions cause of death

Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the late senator as the glue of the Republican Party. Colleagues remembered him as the Senate's happiest warrior. However, Trump raised questions about whether Russia poisoned the senator. Medical reports previously attributed the death to an aortic dissection following a trip to Ukraine. Trump ordered all U.S. flags to fly at half-staff through July 18 to honor Graham's service. Meanwhile, some allies of the president began eyeing the hawkish void left by his passing. These members seek to shift the party away from the interventionist foreign policy Graham championed for decades.

MAJORITY LEADER THUNE: Lindsey Graham was the GOP's glue, binding us together with courage and graceRIP Lindsey Graham, the Senate's happiest warriorTrump's America First allies are eyeing the hawkish void Graham leaves behind

Jul 14

Graham's death leaves foreign policy void as GOP colleagues share final details

Senate colleagues shared details of Graham's final moments following his death at age 71 from apparent chest pains. His passing removes a prominent national security hawk. He served as a primary advocate for interventionist foreign policy and strong U.S. support for Israel. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to finish the term, creating a rare political scenario in Washington. Trump ordered all U.S. flags to fly at half-staff through July 18 to honor the long-serving senator.

GOP senator shares details of Lindsey Graham's final momentsLindsey Graham's Sister Appointed To Finish His TermLindsey Graham's Death Creates Rare Political Scenario That's Gripping DC