The sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham proudly answered the call to serve the remainder of her brother’s term, which ends in January, after his sudden death last month.
Since being sworn in, she’s gotten the full-throated support of President Donald Trump, who has successfully urged her to run for her brother’s seat in November.
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And last week, she got to pay him back for his support.
Graham Nordone made her first major political appearance before hundreds of Republican voters in South Carolina on Saturday, telling attendees that she never expected to enter politics until the death of her brother.
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She said she is committed to promoting South Carolina’s interests and advancing President Donald Trump’s policy agenda.
She is also one of nine Republican candidates seeking to win the seat permanently in a special primary election scheduled for Aug. 11.
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As a first-time candidate, Nordone enters the race with relatively little political experience compared with several of her better-known Republican opponents, Newsmax reported.
Speaking to Republican voters on Saturday, Graham Nordone acknowledged that she does not have a long career in elected office but said her personal and professional experiences have given her a practical understanding of issues such as budgeting, health care costs, and the impact of federal policy on everyday Americans.
She also emphasized that, like her late brother, she has the support of President Trump, saying he encouraged her to enter the race and has endorsed her candidacy.
“I certainly never expected to be on this stage, giving this stump speech,” she told a crowd gathered for the event in Lexington.
“I’ve never had any desire to be a politician,” she said, adding, “I’m here today because I’m answering President Trump’s call to serve.
“I want to stand up for South Carolina, and I want to fight for President Trump’s agenda,” Graham said.
Graham Nordone entered the political spotlight just weeks ago following the sudden death of her brother from an aortic tear.
With the special Republican primary rapidly approaching, Nordone has had little more than a week to introduce herself to South Carolina voters.
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Until now, many residents knew her primarily through her brother’s story, including their modest upbringing and the loss of their parents at a young age. Her campaign also comes shortly after memorial services for the late senator were held in Washington and South Carolina.
All nine Republican candidates seeking the seat participated in Saturday’s candidate forum, each receiving five minutes to address attendees.
Former Gov. Mark Sanford, who is attempting another political comeback after ending a race for the U.S. House earlier this year, emphasized his longstanding focus on reducing federal spending and the national debt.
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) highlighted endorsements from GOP Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah while reaffirming his support for the SAVE America Act, one of President Donald Trump’s legislative priorities.
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U.S. Rep. Russell (R-S.C.) Fry spoke about his working-class upbringing, telling voters that his family was sustained by “our belief in God, hard work, and blue-collar hustle.”
Following the speeches, attendees participated in an informal straw poll after receiving complimentary Chick-fil-A boxed lunches.
Nordone Graham finished first in the unofficial vote, narrowly ahead of Fry and Norman.
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Several voters said they wanted additional time and information before making their final decision in the Aug. 11 primary.
One attendee, Charles Brentnell, said his top three choices were Norman, Fry, and Graham Nordone, noting that he supported their backing of Trump’s call for Congress to shorten its scheduled recess to advance legislation, including the SAVE America Act.
“Let’s keep the Senate in the Senate, instead of taking a month off,” Brentnell said.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
