Sen. Darline Graham admitted during a South Carolina GOP debate Tuesday that she is “not that informed on national security,” a stark contrast to her late brother Lindsey Graham’s 33-year career as a foreign policy hawk. The remark came as Graham, who was appointed to fill her brother’s Senate seat in July, faces a runoff election on August 25 against Rep. Ralph Norman to determine the Republican nominee for the general election.
When asked about Taiwan and the South China Sea during the debate in Newberry, Graham acknowledged her limited expertise in the area. “I’m just going to be honest here — I’m not on national security,” she said. “I’m not that informed on national security, but I do support the military.” She added: “National security is not my thing.”
Graham’s candid admission highlighted a fundamental difference between her and her brother, who spent decades advocating for military intervention in Iran, strong support for Ukraine and Israel, and aggressive foreign policy positions. In a Fox News interview in July, Graham emphasized that her focus would differ from Lindsey’s, saying she would concentrate on issues affecting “the average person” rather than foreign policy.
Throughout the debate, when pressed on foreign policy topics including Iran and tensions in the South China Sea, Graham deferred to President Donald Trump’s positions. “I fully trust President Trump when it comes to the war in Iran,” she said, noting that Iran is “the weakest they have been in 47 years.” Trump has endorsed Graham for a full term.
Graham was appointed to the Senate in July, days after her brother’s sudden death on July 11 at age 71. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster selected her to serve out the remainder of Lindsey’s term, making her the first sibling appointed to fill a Senate seat in American history. Before her appointment, Graham spent three decades in public service, working on workforce development and disability advocacy, but she had never run for elected office.
In the special primary held on August 11, Graham finished first with 33 percent of the vote, while Norman secured 25 percent. Since neither candidate reached 50 percent, they advanced to the runoff scheduled for August 25. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election to succeed the late senator.
During the debate, Graham also misstated South Carolina’s population as 50 million when the state has roughly 5.6 million residents. Norman used the debate to paint Graham as the establishment candidate, saying “Washington is with her” and contrasting himself as an outsider who has never been “subservient to anything in Washington.”
Graham countered by attacking Norman’s record, questioning his commitment to South Carolina. “I think you’re confused, because I don’t know if you want to be in South Carolina or Washington,” she said, referencing his failed gubernatorial campaign and multiple career pivots. She also highlighted her accomplishments in her brief Senate tenure, claiming to have voted for Russia sanctions legislation and confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Sources
- NBC News — Full debate coverage and Graham’s national security remarks, August 18, 2026
- New York Times — Coverage of Graham’s national security admission during the debate
- Fox News — Graham’s interview about focusing on average people rather than foreign policy
- Ballotpedia — Primary election results showing Graham’s 33% and Norman’s 25% vote share
- PBS NewsHour — Graham’s appointment and background in disability services
- AP News — Graham’s appointment to fill her brother’s seat after his July 11 death
- CNN — Coverage of Darline Graham Nordone’s appointment by Gov. Henry McMaster
