On July 17th, local time, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a statement on the 'Real Soccer' platform, officially endorsing Darlene Graham (64 years old) to run in the Republican primaries and succeed her elder brother, the late Senator Lindsey Graham, in the Senate seat.
Trump said that on that day, he met with Darlene in the Oval Office of the White House, describing her as “an outstanding figure, a true American patriot”.
"For the welfare of our nation, I invite Darlene to attend the Republican primary for the United States Senate on August 11th," he wrote. "I hope she will accept the invitation, as no one is more suitable to carry on the legacy of her beloved brother Lindsay."
Trump said that if Darlene accepts the invitation, he will fully support her participation in the special election for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina.
Darlene Graham (far left) has been sworn in as a senator, taking over the remaining term of her late brother. Video screenshot
Previously, Henry McMaster, the Governor of South Carolina, served as the temporary successor to fill the vacancy left by the death of her brother in the Senate. Darlene has taken her oath of office.
On July 12th local time, news of Lindsay Graham's sudden death due to an acute illness spread, and underground tensions began to arise within the Republican Party.
South Carolina will hold new Republican primary elections in August to select a candidate to replace Graham for the mid-term elections in November.
According to poll organizations, after receiving Trump’s endorsement, Darlene’s chances of winning the primary have soared to 69%.
Polymarket
