Darline Graham

Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, South Carolina · Incumbent

U.S. Senator from South Carolina (appointed 2026); former Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind

Darline Graham is a Republican who has served as U.S. Senator from South Carolina since July 14, 2026. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to the seat after her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, died. She placed first in the August 11 special Republican primary and beat Ralph Norman in the August 25 runoff, so she now faces Democrat Annie Andrews in the November 3 general election.

Where Graham stands

Russia sanctions: Introduced the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which was signed into law. After the President waived most of those sanctions, she said she would rather keep pressure on Russia to end the war and lower gas prices.
Immigration: Said at an October 2026 rally: "If you're here illegally, you've got to go."
Campaign finance: Says most of her opponent's donors live outside South Carolina, and questions where her opponent's campaign money comes from.
Veterans: Welcomed U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grants awarded to programs for South Carolina veterans.

Background

U.S. Senator from South Carolina, 2026–present (appointed July 2026)
Commissioner, South Carolina Commission for the Blind, 2019–2026
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, 2008–2019 (public information director by 2015)
Member, South Carolina State Workforce Development Board
President-elect, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (term begins January 2027)
B.S., College of Charleston; M.A., South Carolina State University (2009); Certified Public Manager
Senate committees: Appropriations, Budget, Environment and Public Works, Judiciary
Born 1964 in Central, South Carolina; lives in Lexington, South Carolina

In the news

Trump heads to South Carolina to boost Senator Darline Graham in race Al Jazeera, October 21, 2026
Trump to campaign for Sen. Darline Graham despite disagreement on Russia sanctions NPR, October 21, 2026
Sen Darline Graham spars with Dem challenger Annie Andrews at debate Fox News, October 12, 2026
Senator Darline Graham Welcomes Grants for South Carolina Veterans Programs Office of Sen. Darline Graham, October 9, 2026

Also running for U.S. Senate

Annie Andrews Democratic

Sources

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.