Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to endorse a primary candidate to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina’s special election, breaking from the usual role of Republican leadership in backing GOP Senate candidates.
“I’m not endorsing at the moment,” Thune said Monday after being asked about the crowded Republican primary field. Thune and other Republican leaders in the Senate typically serve as key backers for GOP Senate candidates, but the South Dakota senator decided to stay neutral as multiple Republicans vie for the nomination.
Thune did offer measured praise for Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, who was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to fill the remainder of her brother’s term. “She obviously carries on Lindsey’s legacy. But I think she’s a very accomplished person in her own right,” Thune said, adding that voters should decide the outcome. Graham has worked in multiple roles at state agencies and in the private sector helping people with disabilities find jobs.
Darline Graham announced Monday that she intends to run for a full six-year term after President Trump said he would endorse her if she entered the race. “I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes, absolutely,” she said in an interview, noting her nearly 30 years of service to South Carolina.
The special Republican primary is scheduled for August 11, with a runoff later in August if needed. The filing deadline is July 28. Other Republicans in the race include Rep. Russell Fry and Rep. Ralph Norman, both of South Carolina. Rep. Nancy Mace, also from South Carolina, confirmed she would not be entering the race. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November general election.
Lindsey Graham died on July 11 at age 71 after suffering a ruptured aorta caused by hardened arteries. He had served in the Senate for two decades and won the June primary with 56.8% of the vote before his death.
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election handicapper, rates the seat as “Solid Republican,” indicating a strong advantage for the GOP nominee in the general election.
Sources
- The Hill — Thune’s statement that he won’t endorse “at the moment” and his praise for Darline Graham as a “strong candidate”
- Newsmax — Thune’s remarks on the race and confirmation that Republican leaders are usually key backers for GOP Senate candidates
- CNN — Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham
- Roll Call — Details on the August 11 special primary election and the candidacies of Russell Fry and Ralph Norman
- Reuters — Lindsey Graham’s death on July 11 and cause of death
