Darline
Graham
Appointed Republican U.S. Senator from South Carolina running to keep her seat in the November 2026 election
- sources
- 26
- positions
- 9
- endorsements
- 9
Background
Darline Graham is a Republican U.S. senator from South Carolina, appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster on July 13, 2026, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. She was sworn in the following day, and her appointment is set to last until January 3, 2027. 26
Born and raised in Central, South Carolina, Graham earned a B.S. in sociology from the College of Charleston in 1989 and an M.A. in rehabilitation counseling from South Carolina State University in 2009. She currently resides in Lexington, South Carolina. 12
Before her Senate appointment, Graham built a career in vocational rehabilitation and public service. She held roles at Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, before serving as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind from 2019 until her appointment. 2
Graham is running in the November 3, 2026, special election to serve the remainder of the Senate term, facing Democrat Annie Andrews in what observers have described as a competitive race. 1118
At a glance
- Party
- Republican · Incumbent
- Running for
- U.S. Senate, South Carolina
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- U.S. Senator from South Carolina (appointed)
- Website
- darlinegraham.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Voting record
How Darline Graham voted in Congress: 119th Congress (2025–26), Jul 14, 2026 to Sep 30, 2026. From the official House and Senate roll call records.
- roll call votes
- 62
- missed
- 8.1%
- with their party’s majority
- 98%
Recent key votes
- Sep 30, 2026 · Senate · PN1129 · Economy & jobsKeith Sonderling, of Florida, to be Secretary of LaborOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 28, 2026 · Senate · S4668 · EducationA bill to protect the name, image, and likeness rights of, and provide protections for, student athletes and to promote fair competition among intercollegiate athletics, and for other purposes.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · PN1078 · Crime & public safetyTodd Blanche, of Florida, to be Attorney GeneralOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · HR6500 · Taxes & budgetAn act making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2027, and for other purposes.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Present
- Aug 7, 2026 · Senate · HR5334 · Foreign policy & defenseAn act to impose sanctions and other measures with respect to the Russian Federation, as championed by the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham, and for other purposes.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Jul 28, 2026 · Senate · PN1092 · Foreign policy & defenseWalter Clayton, of New York, to be Director of National IntelligenceOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Did not vote
Key votes are final decisions on bills and joint resolutions, and top nominations. Software sorts each into an issue from its official title, so check the roll call. All 62 votes →
Timeline
- Nov 3filingSouth Carolina general election: Graham on ballot for full Senate term
Darline Graham is listed on the November 3 general-election ballot for the South Carolina U.S. Senate seat, running against Democrat Annie Andrews, Libertarian Kasie Whitener, and Constitution Party candidate Mark Hackett.
South Carolina voter guide 2026: What to know for the November 3 election · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 11debateDarline Graham, Annie Andrews, and Kasie Whitener face off in South Carolina Senate debate at SCETV
Graham, Democrat Annie Andrews, and Libertarian Kasie Whitener met at 7 p.m. at SCETV studios in Columbia for the first and only scheduled general-election debate before early voting was set to begin October 19. Sources confirm the debate was scheduled; they do not document its outcome.
Andrews, Graham and Whitener to face off in long-awaited South Carolina Senate debate · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 10newsCNN describes South Carolina Senate race as competitive, questions whether Graham name helps or hurts
CNN published a piece examining the competitive dynamics of the South Carolina Senate race, questioning whether carrying the Graham name was an asset or liability for Darline Graham, and characterizing the contest as competitive.
‘Darline is not Lindsey’: Could a Graham really lose South Carolina for the GOP? | CNN Politics · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 9endorsementSenate Majority Leader John Thune campaigns with Darline Graham at fundraiser
Senate Majority Leader John Thune campaigned with Graham following a fundraiser, underscoring national Republican support for her candidacy in what had become a competitive race.
US Senate majority leader campaigns with Darline Graham ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 9pollRasmussen poll: Graham leads Andrews 49% to 45% among likely voters
A Rasmussen Reports survey of 837 likely voters conducted October 5–8 showed Graham leading Andrews 49% to 45%, with 6% undecided. The lead was within the reported ±3 percentage point margin of error. An earlier Rasmussen poll in early September had shown Graham ahead 48% to 43%.
Election 2026: South Carolina Senate - Rasmussen Reports® · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 9debateGraham and Andrews confirmed to debate at SCETV on October 11; Graham vows to 'expose' Andrews
Graham and Andrews were confirmed to face off at the SCETV studios in Columbia on October 11, along with Libertarian Kasie Whitener. Graham said she would 'expose Annie Andrews' radical positions.' Andrews had previously called for three televised debates; Graham agreed only to the SCETV event.
SC Senate debate nears as Graham, Andrews enter final stretch · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6newsSenate Leadership Fund commits $5 million to support Darline Graham's Senate race
The Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican super PAC, committed $5 million to support Graham's campaign, according to the Associated Press and CBS News, as the race tightened against Democrat Annie Andrews.
Republicans to spend $5 million in South Carolina Senate ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2endorsementRalph Norman, who lost runoff to Graham, endorses her; some supporters organize write-in effort for him
After losing the Republican runoff to Graham, Rep. Ralph Norman endorsed her for the general election. However, some of his supporters were reported to be organizing a write-in effort on his behalf.
‘Darline is not Lindsey’: Could a Graham really lose South Carolina for the GOP? | CNN Politics · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 27newsGraham returns to the campaign trail
Graham was reported back on the trail, continuing her general-election campaign activities.
Connect to the Capitol: Graham back on the trail, SC roads, bridges ... · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 27pollTrafalgar poll shows Graham leading Andrews 43% to 42% among likely voters
A Trafalgar Group poll of 1,087 likely voters conducted September 23–25 showed Graham leading Andrews 43% to 42%, within the reported 2.9-point margin of error.
S.C. Senate Poll: Graham Leads Andrews by 1.1 Points · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 25newsDarline Graham campaigns in Lake Wylie, highlighting her conservative record
Graham held a campaign stop in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, where she highlighted her conservative record as part of her general-election campaign.
Darline Graham campaigns in Lake Wylie, highlighting her ... · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 25newsSen. Darline Graham introduces resolution designating 'Religious Education Week'
As senator, Graham introduced a resolution to designate September 27–October 3 as 'Religious Education Week,' celebrating faith-based schools and parental choice in education.
Senator Darline Graham Leads Resolution to Celebrate ... · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 23pollCook Political Report shifts South Carolina Senate race from 'Solid Republican' to 'Likely Republican'
Cook Political Report downgraded the South Carolina Senate race from 'Solid Republican' to 'Likely Republican' on September 23, reflecting increased Democratic competitiveness.
SC Senate debate nears as Graham, Andrews enter final stretch · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 21newsGraham and Andrews make dueling campaign stops in Greenville, South Carolina
Rival Senate candidates Darline Graham and Annie Andrews each made campaign stops in Greenville, pitching voters during separate visits to the area.
Rival Senate candidates Andrews, Graham make dueling Greenville stops · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 25newsDarline Graham wins Republican runoff, secures GOP nomination with ~52% of the vote
Graham won the August 25 Republican runoff against Norman, receiving about 52% of the vote and securing the Republican nomination for the November general election.
Andrews, Graham and Whitener to face off in long-awaited South Carolina Senate debate · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 11newsDarline Graham advances from Republican primary to runoff
Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman advanced from the special Republican primary to a runoff, setting up a contest for the Republican nomination.
Andrews, Graham and Whitener to face off in long-awaited South Carolina Senate debate · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 13filingGov. McMaster appoints Darline Graham to fill vacant South Carolina Senate seat
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to fill the Senate seat left vacant after her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, died. She was appointed to serve in an interim capacity.
Compare Candidates | 2026 South Carolina U.S. Senate Election · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Gov. Henry McMaster (R-S.C.) officialMcMaster endorsed Graham, according to an AP report published by The Intelligencer on October 10, 2026. The specific date of the endorsement was not established in the sources reviewed. theintelligencer.net
- U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) officialAfter losing the Republican runoff to Graham, Norman said he would support the Republican nominee in November. foxnews.com · Sep 2, 2026
- Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Candidate Fund organizationThe group announced its endorsement of Graham in South Carolina's Senate race. sbaprolife.org · Aug 18, 2026
- More than 50 South Carolina conservative leaders and elected officials officialGraham's campaign announced endorsements from a broad group including U.S. Rep. William Timmons, Lt. Gov. Evette, state House Speaker Murrell Smith, state senators, state representatives, sheriffs, and local officials. wbtw.com · Aug 15, 2026
- U.S. Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) officialFry endorsed Graham after finishing third in the special primary, saying he believed she would be a Senate ally who would work to get results. apnews.com · Aug 14, 2026
- Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R-S.C.) officialEvette announced her endorsement in a post on X. wistv.com · Aug 13, 2026
- U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) officialScott endorsed Graham after observing her in the Senate and on the campaign trail, saying he was "confident she's the real deal." wistv.com · Aug 12, 2026
- Maggie's List organizationThe PAC, which backs conservative women candidates, announced its endorsement of Graham for the Senate. maggieslist.org · Jul 30, 2026
- President Donald Trump officialTrump endorsed Graham for the full term in a Truth Social post, saying she had his "complete and total endorsement." nbcnews.com · Jul 17, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $347K
- Spent
- $95K
- Cash on hand
- $251K
As of Aug 5, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S6SC04437(opens in a new tab)
Sources 26
- [1] Andrews, Graham and Whitener to face off in long-awaited South Carolina Senate debate(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] ‘Darline is not Lindsey’: Could a Graham really lose South Carolina for the GOP? | CNN Politics(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [3] Wire(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [4] Compare Candidates | 2026 South Carolina U.S. Senate Election(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [5] Election 2026: South Carolina Senate - Rasmussen Reports®(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [6] SC Senate debate nears as Graham, Andrews enter final stretch(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [7] US Senate majority leader campaigns with Darline Graham ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [8] Sen. Darline Graham focused less than 4 weeks from ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [9] Republicans to spend $5 million in South Carolina Senate ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [10] South Carolina voter guide 2026: What to know for the November 3 election(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [11] Issues | Darline Graham for U.S. Senate(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [12] Connect to the Capitol: Graham back on the trail, SC roads, bridges ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [13] S.C. Senate Poll: Graham Leads Andrews by 1.1 Points(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [14] Darline Graham campaigns in Lake Wylie, highlighting her ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [15] Senator Darline Graham Leads Resolution to Celebrate ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [16] Rival Senate candidates Andrews, Graham make dueling Greenville stops(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
- [17] Rep Ralph Norman affirms that he'll 'support' ex-rival Sen Darline ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 3, 2026
- [18] darline graham, senator for south carolina(opens in a new tab) Sep 1, 2026
- [19] SENATOR DARLINE GRAHAM PROUDLY STANDS FOR LIFE(opens in a new tab) Sep 1, 2026
- [20] SENATOR DARLINE GRAHAM STANDS FIRM ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION - Senator Darline Graham(opens in a new tab) Sep 1, 2026
- [21] Leading Nat'l Pro-Life Group Backs Darline Graham for SC-Sen(opens in a new tab) Aug 18, 2026
- [22] Horry, Florence officials among 50+ endorsing Darline Graham(opens in a new tab) Aug 15, 2026
- [23] Endorsements pile up for Graham, Norman in SC Senate primary runoff(opens in a new tab) Aug 14, 2026
- [24] Russell Fry backs Darline Graham in South Carolina's GOP Senate ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 14, 2026
- [25] Graham, Rodriguez, Honeycutt and Weaver Earn Maggie's List ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 30, 2026
- [26] Trump backs Sen. Darline Graham in primary to replace her late brother(opens in a new tab) Jul 17, 2026