Late Senator Lindsey Graham’s sister announces bid for full Senate term

South Carolina Senator Darline Graham has announced that she will run for a full six-year term in the US Senate following the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.

In her first interview since her brother’s death, Darline Graham outlined her political priorities in an interview with “Hannity” on July 20, Fox News reports.

“He's worked so hard for so long. I can’t just let that die. I've got to step in and carry on his legacy,” she said.

“I know he cared about the people of South Carolina so deeply. He worked so hard for them. And I feel like I can do that, too. He taught me well,” she added.

US President Donald Trump said on July 1 that he had advised Darline Graham to seek a full Senate term and indicated that he was prepared to support her candidacy.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham last week to serve the remainder of her late brother’s Senate term, which runs until January 2027. She had initially agreed to serve temporarily until a special election could be held but announced on Monday that she would seek a full six-year term.

Darline Graham is a Republican and had not previously pursued an independent political career before taking her brother’s seat.

Lindsey Graham died suddenly on July 11 at the age of 71. His cause of death was later identified as an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

By Sabina Mammadli