'I'm in.' Darline Graham will run for full term in Lindsey Graham's Senate seat

Darline Graham announced Monday she will run for a full term in the U.S. Senate seat previously held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Graham, who was sworn in last week to serve the remaining months of her brother's term, declared her candidacy in an interview with Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity.

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I've made a decision. I'm in.

Her entry into the Republican primary race further complicates an already accelerated process following Lindsey Graham's death. The filing period for the special Republican primary opens Tuesday, with the election scheduled for Aug. 11. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Darline Graham, urging her to "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!"

Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham to the interim position, a move that was not explicitly framed as temporary, though sources indicated McMaster did not initially anticipate her seeking the seat herself. Before Graham's announcement and her meeting with Trump, the president had suggested support for other potential candidates, including Rep. Russell Fry, who confirmed his entry into the primary.

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RUN, DARLINE, RUN!

Graham described the pressure of her new role, stating she learned hard work from her brother. "I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes," she told Hannity. Funeral services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled for next week. His campaign funds are not directly transferable to Darline Graham's candidacy due to federal regulations.

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It is a tremendous amount of pressure. I know I'm a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey. I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes.