Darline Graham confirms run for Lindsey Graham's former Senate seat

US Senator Darline Graham has announced she will run for a full US Senate term in South Carolina, days after being appointed to complete the remainder of her late brother Lindsey Graham's term.

Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Graham confirmed her decision, saying: “I’ve made a decision. I’m in.”

She said she had carefully considered the move after receiving support from her family and her late brother's staff.

“I’ve been praying a lot, talking to my family, but with the love of my family, with the support of his staff — I know I’m a hard worker, I learned that from Lindsey,” Graham said.

“He cared about the people of this state. I’ve worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state. I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes, absolutely.”

Graham became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate after Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to serve until January 2027.

According to CNN, Senate Majority Leader John Thune described Graham as a “strong candidate” but stopped short of endorsing her.

Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso, however, told CNN: “Darline Graham is an excellent senator. She’ll continue to be an excellent senator, and she has my full support as she runs to fill the six-year term of Lindsey Graham.”

The Republican primary is scheduled for 11 August.