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Trump Endorses Interim Senator Graham for Senate Run

7/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump urged interim Senator Darline Graham to run for the South Carolina Senate seat, pledged his endorsement, and met her at the White House on Thursday to discuss a campaign.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham as interim senator after Lindsey Graham’s death, with her term ending Jan. 3, 2027.
Candidates must file for the special Republican primary between July 21 and July 28, with the primary on Aug. 11.

History

Historical Context

In December 2008 Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich named former Attorney General Roland Burris to Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. Secretary of State Jesse White’s refusal to sign the certification triggered a constitutional dispute, and the Illinois Supreme Court ruled the governor’s signature alone was sufficient. Burris was finally seated on January 15, 2009, amid the governor’s corruption indictment.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump urged interim Senator Darline Graham to run for the South Carolina Senate seat, pledged his endorsement, and met her at the White House on Thursday to discuss a campaign.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham as interim senator after Lindsey Graham’s death, with her term ending Jan. 3, 2027.
Candidates must file for the special Republican primary between July 21 and July 28, with the primary on Aug. 11.

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