Darline Graham, who was appointed as South Carolina's first female senator following the death of her brother Lindsey Graham, attended a dinner in his honor on July 27, 2026. The event was hosted by Lebanese banker Antoun Sehnaoui and former U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C. Lindsey Graham passed away at the age of 71 due to a heart condition earlier in July.
The guest list included notable figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Republican senators Ted Cruz, Marsha Blackburn, and Roger Wicker, as well as Democratic lawmakers Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen, Sheldon Whitehouse, and John Fetterman. Other attendees included former Trump officials Stephen Miller and Markwayne Mullin, along with Miller's wife, Katie, and former national security adviser Dina Powell McCormick.
Darline Graham, who is preparing for a special Republican primary election on August 11, has expressed intentions to establish her own political identity, distinct from her brother's. However, some Republican operatives have raised concerns about her political viability due to her relative obscurity and unclear political stance. In a previous statement, she defended a past political donation to a pro-choice candidate, emphasizing her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. Additionally, she has co-sponsored legislation aimed at requiring proof of citizenship to vote, aligning herself with Trump’s policies.