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<p>President Trump urged Darline Graham, the sister of the late senator Lindsey Graham and South Carolina’s interim appointee, to enter the race to succeed him, potentially reshaping the upcoming Republican primary for the seat.</p>
<p>In a social media post following a Oval Office meeting with Ms. Graham, Mr. Trump said he asked her to run in the special Republican primary on August 11, 2026, praising the late senator and signaling his support for her candidacy.</p>
<p>The endorsement represents a significant shift after the governor appointed Ms. Graham to fill the seat temporarily until January, positioning her as a caretaker candidate who could benefit from name recognition and incumbency if she runs.</p>
<p>If she chooses to run, Mr. Trump pledged his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”</p>
<p>Several prominent Republicans were weighing bids to face Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee, including lawmakers and the lieutenant governor. Trump’s backing could consolidate support behind Ms. Graham, though some may still enter the race.</p>
<p>Ms. Graham currently serves through January 3, 2027, with the special primary set for August 11 and filing deadlines approaching on July 28.</p>
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