South Carolina Senate candidates pile in despite Trump endorsement - The Hill

What the report says

The Hill reported that South Carolina’s Republican special Senate primary is becoming a crowded and potentially contentious contest, even after President Trump moved early to support Sen. Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve the final months of her brother’s term, said Monday she would run for the seat as the filing period for the Aug. 11 special primary was set to open Tuesday at noon.

Trump had urged South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint Darline Graham on an interim basis and later publicly encouraged her to seek a full term. He met with her at the White House last week and praised her in a Truth Social post, framing her candidacy as a way to continue Lindsey Graham’s legacy.

But the endorsement has not cleared the Republican field. Rep. Ralph Norman entered the race Saturday, emphasizing his support for Trump-aligned priorities after Bloomberg reported he had sought the president’s backing shortly after Graham’s death. Rep. Russell Fry also announced a campaign Monday, similarly presenting himself as a conservative ally of Trump. The field also includes businessman Mark Lynch and attorney Duke Buckner, while Rep. Nancy Mace said she would not run.

The Hill noted the race could test whether Senate Republicans follow Trump’s lead or stay neutral as sitting House members compete against his preferred candidate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to endorse while calling Darline Graham a strong contender, and Sen. Tom Cotton publicly backed her.