Darline Graham Faces Tough Path To Full Senate Term In South Carolina

According to Axios, Darline Graham, who has President Donald Trump's endorsement and is serving as a temporary replacement after the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, faces an uphill battle to win a full six-year Senate term in South Carolina. The state's Aug. 11 Republican primary has become a test of whether Trump's backing, the Graham name, and her brother's political network are enough to overcome concerns from GOP operatives and early polls showing her trailing rivals Rep. Ralph Norman and Rep. Russell Fry. Republicans cited three obstacles: Lindsey Graham's mixed standing with South Carolina conservatives, Darline Graham's low profile and limited political identity, and the state's history of rejecting perceived political succession. Axios also reported that Lindsey Graham's campaign fund has more than $2 million on hand, Darline Graham's advisers are exploring whether she can legally access those funds, and a super PAC supporting the late senator plans to spend $900,000 to back her campaign.