Senate Leader Thune declines official endorsement for Darline Graham Nordone

Senate Majority Leader John Thune chose not to officially back Darline Graham Nordone as she steps forward to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's vacant Senate seat. The top Republican leader called her a strong candidate who obviously carries on Lindsey's legacy, yet he stopped short of endorsing her or anyone else for the time being. He told reporters on Monday that the field is taking shape and let the voters in South Carolina decide it all themselves. This news emerged today via a clip from an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity where Nordone stated her intention to enter the Republican primary.

Meanwhile, Congresswoman Nancy Mace bowed out of the race after hinting she might jump into the fight. She made this clear in a video statement posted on X on Monday. Nordone was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to finish her brother's term and took the oath on July 14. However, Graham's full term ends in January, so a long-term replacement will also have to be elected soon after the Senator's unexpected death passes into history.

President Donald Trump has declared his strong support for Nordone, offering her complete and total endorsement if she runs. This likely makes it difficult for another candidate to mount a successful challenge against such a high-profile backer. Despite this advantage, several others have said they will also run in the Republican primary. Russell Fry formally declared his candidacy on Monday, while businessmen Patrick Hermann and Mark Lynch are also running alongside attorney Duke Buckner. South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman is among those considering a bid as well.

The filing period opens on Tuesday and closes after one week, leaving candidates little time to campaign before the August 11 primary election. The winner of that contest will advance to face Annie Andrews, the pediatrician nominated by the Democratic party earlier this year. South Carolina remains a solidly red state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since Ernest Hollings left office in 2005. This tight window and intense competition could determine whether North Carolina stays firmly Republican or shifts its allegiance for decades.