Senate Majority Leader John Thune refrained from endorsing Darline Graham Nordone in her bid to succeed her late brother Lindsey Graham in the Senate. Although Thune acknowledged Nordone as a ‘strong candidate’ and noted her commitment to ‘carrying on Lindsey’s legacy,’ he stopped short of backing her or any candidate at this stage. “Sounds like the field is taking shape,” he remarked to reporters on Monday.
Long-term replacement
‘And I’ll let the voters in South Carolina decide it.’ News of Nordone’s plans to enter the Republican primary for her brother’s seat emerged from a segment with Fox News host Sean Hannity. In contrast, Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who had previously considered joining the race, announced her decision not to run via a video on X on Monday. Nordone has been serving in the Senate since July 14 following her appointment by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to complete her brother’s term, which ends in January. With Lindsey Graham’s unexpected passing, a long-term successor needs to be elected. Thune’s neutral stance came even as Donald Trump openly endorsed Nordone, his late ally’s sister.
Nordone gains president’s strong backing
Although Nordone has not held an elected position before, she has extensive experience in public service, notably with a South Carolina government agency assisting individuals with disabilities in securing jobs. The former President has thrown his ‘complete and total endorsement’ behind her potential candidacy, likely complicating any opposing challenges.
GOP primary field grows as deadline nears
Nonetheless, several contenders, including South Carolina Congressmen Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, have announced their intentions to compete in the Republican primary for Graham’s seat, with Fry making his candidacy official on Monday. Business figures Patrick Hermann and Mark Lynch, as well as attorney Duke Buckner, have also joined the race. The filing window begins on Tuesday and lasts a week, offering candidates a limited timeframe to campaign before the August 11 primary. The primary victor will face Annie Andrews, a pediatrician nominated by the Democratic party earlier this year. South Carolina, known as a staunch Republican stronghold, has not seen a Democratic Senate victory since Ernest Hollings exited the office in 2005.
