Darline Graham holds first major Senate campaign event, says she wants to fight for Trump’s agenda

Sen. Darline Graham made her first major campaign appearance Saturday, telling Republican voters she never expected to seek elected office but decided to run for a full U.S. Senate term after being encouraged by President Donald Trump.

Speaking before hundreds of Republicans at a candidate event in Lexington, Graham acknowledged her lack of political experience while arguing that her background outside of government gives her a practical perspective on issues facing South Carolinians. 

She said she wants to continue advancing Trump’s agenda in Washington after being appointed to temporarily fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother, longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham. 

Graham told attendees that she never intended to get into politics.

“I’ve never had any desire to be a politician. I’m here today because I’m answering President Trump’s call to serve. I want to stand up for South Carolina, and I want to fight for President Trump’s agenda," she said.

The special Republican primary has drawn nine candidates, making it one of the most competitive races in South Carolina politics this year. 

Among Graham’s top rivals are U.S. Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, former Gov. Mark Sanford and businessman Mark Lynch. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote in the Aug. 11 primary, the top two finishers will advance to an Aug. 25 runoff. 

The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the Nov. 3 general election.