Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) proposed on Wednesday that interim Senator Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC), who recently took over her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat, should run in the upcoming South Carolina special GOP primary for a permanent position. Scott stated, "'Why not her?' would be my question, as it relates to the folks that are in the race, other members of Congress, and former congressmembers who’ve called me as well."
A special Republican Senate primary is scheduled for August 11, with the winner facing Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November midterm elections for a full six-year term. Scott, who leads the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, mentioned he would remain neutral as a campaign chairman but might endorse a candidate personally, given his connection to Graham.
Darline Graham Nordone was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster (R-SC) and will serve until January 2027, although it is uncertain if she intends to run for the permanent position. Other potential candidates include Representatives Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Nancy Mace (R-SC), as well as Lt. Governor Pamela Evette and Representative Russell Fry (R-SC).
Lindsey Graham was preparing for his fifth reelection when he passed away due to a tear in his aorta. Scott emphasized the importance of finding a successor with a strong foreign policy perspective, reflecting on Graham's commitment to international issues. He stated, "It’s more important for me to talk about the qualities that I want to see in the person, as opposed to the qualities I don’t see in some of the folks."