Red flags raised over Lindsey Graham's sister as local GOP questions her eligibility

Red flags raised over Lindsey Graham's sister as local GOP questions her eligibility

A South Carolina county Republican chairman has formally demanded a party rules review of Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) and her eligibility to appear on the August primary ballot.

Dorchester County Republican Party Chairman C.J. Westfall sent the letter Monday, citing a new party rule that took effect July 1. Darline Graham was appointed to the seat following the sudden death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

The rule requires Republican candidates to have voted in at least two of the last three statewide Republican primaries — or seek a formal waiver from the state party — before they can be certified, according to the Post and Courier. The filing deadline is July 28.

"It is important that we apply the South Carolina Republican Party's Rules equally to every candidate," Westfall wrote in the letter.

Westfall said he heard from Republicans across Dorchester County who supported Gov. Henry McMaster's (R-SC) decision to appoint Darline Graham to complete her late brother's term — but grew uneasy when she signaled plans to seek a full six-year term of her own.

"Many expressed concern after learning she intends to seek a full six-year term," he wrote, "knowing very little about her background or qualifications."

Westfall said voting history published by the conservative South Carolina outlet FITSNews prompted his concern. He formally asked the SCGOP Rules Committee to review Darline Graham's qualifications before candidates are certified.

"Based on publicly reported voting history published by FITSNews, Mrs. [Graham Nordone] reportedly may not meet that requirement," he wrote.

Campaign sources told the Post and Courier that Darline Graham voted in the 2024 and 2026 Republican primaries as well as this year's runoff, likely making her eligible without a waiver. The South Carolina Republican Party said July 20 it was still awaiting guidance from the state elections commission before confirming next steps.

Darline Graham announced her run the same day, telling Fox News anchor Sean Hannity she had been praying and talking with her family about the decision — and had made up her mind.

"I'm in," she revealed to Hannity.

In a July 17 Truth Social post, President Donald Trump said he asked Darline Graham during an Oval Office visit to enter the race and offered his "complete and total endorsement."

"I know I'm a hard worker," she told Hannity. "I learned that from Lindsey."

Caption on lead photo: U.S. Senator for South Carolina Darline Graham Nordone, sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, is ceremonially sworn-in by U.S. Senate President pro tempore Chuck Grassley (R-IA) next to her husband Larry Nordone during an event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 14, 2026.