GOP leaders question Darline Graham's qualification amid Senate term bid

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A South Carolina Republican Party official is calling for a review of Sen. Darline Graham's eligibility to run for a full U.S. Senate term, citing newly adopted party rules that may put her candidacy in question.

Dorchester County Republican Party Chairman Cj Westfall said in a statement that he has formally requested the South Carolina Republican Party Rules Committee examine whether Graham meets the party's candidate qualification requirements before the July 28 certification deadline.

The request comes hours after Graham sat down with Fox News' Sean Hannity Monday to announce that she will be running to replace her late brother for a full Senate term.

Many Republicans in Dorchester County supported McMaster's decision to appoint Graham as a tribute to her brother's decades of service, Westfall said. However, local party leaders and activists raised questions about her background, qualifications and compliance with party rules after learning of her plans to run for a full term.

"Over the past several days, I have heard from Republicans across Dorchester County, from precinct leaders to grassroots activists," Westfall said. "Most were supportive of Governor Henry McMaster's decision to appoint Mrs. Nordone to complete Senator Graham's term as a tribute to her brother."

At the center of the dispute is Rule 11(a)(6) of the South Carolina Republican Party's rules, which took effect July 1. The rule requires Republican candidates to have voted in at least two of the last three statewide Republican primaries unless they receive a waiver from the State Executive Committee.

"If that reporting is accurate, the Rules appear to require consideration of a waiver before she can be certified," Westfall said.

The DCRP chairman is asking the Rules Committee to determine whether Graham qualifies under the rule and, if necessary, refer the issue to the State Executive Committee for consideration of a waiver.

He emphasized that the request is not meant as a personal attack on Graham or her family, who are mourning the loss of the longtime senator, saying "she has endured more this week than most people experience in a lifetime."

Instead, Westfall said the issue is about ensuring party rules are applied equally to all candidates seeking the Republican nomination.

"This is about one principle only," he said. "The Rules adopted by the delegates of the South Carolina Republican Party should be applied consistently and fairly to every Republican candidate."

The South Carolina Republican Party had not publicly commented on Westfall's request. It remains unclear whether party officials will undertake a formal review before candidate certification later this month.