Trump urges Darlene Graham to run for a full term in the Senate as her brother’s funeral is planned

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that Darlene Graham, sister of the late Lindsey Graham, has his support to run for a full term to replace her brother in the U.S. Senate.

He watches: Darlene Graham is sworn in as a senator after her brother’s death

He wrote on social media that she “has been a winner all her life, and if she accepts, she has my full and complete endorsement.”

“Run, darlin’, run!” Trump added.

The president said he discussed a potential campaign with Darlene Graham at the White House. Four people familiar with the deliberations, none of whom were allowed to speak publicly, had previously said she had privately expressed her interest in running.

Trump’s endorsement dramatically reshapes the scramble to fill Lindsey Graham’s seat following his death last weekend. The president had previously suggested he could support a potential nomination from Rep. Russell Frey. Several other prominent politicians — including Frey, Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and Gov. Pamela Yvette — were eyeing the nomination.

The filing period for the special primary runs from July 21 to July 28, and the primary is scheduled for August 11.

Lindsey Graham’s funeral plans were also announced on Friday. There will be a service in Washington on July 28 and more in South Carolina on July 29.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darlene Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term, which expires in January.

Darlene Graham, the first woman to represent the state in the Senate, called it a “tremendous honor,” as dozens of her brother’s staff and campaign advisers stood behind her, some with glassy eyes from tears.

“Lindsey has always been there for me. Now I’ll be there for him,” she said.

Lindsey Graham died on Saturday at the age of 71. A preliminary report from the coroner stated that he had suffered a ruptured aorta.

He watches: Lindsey Graham’s career and impact on American politics

He never married or had a family of his own, but his sister was often by his side at political touchpoints in his career, speaking at events and appearing in some of his campaign ads. After their parents died when Darlene Graham was just 13 years old, her older brother became her legal guardian and later adopted her to ensure his military benefits flowed to her.

By forging a relationship with Darlene Graham — who is new to politics but has been a fixture in her brother’s political career — Trump may seek to develop another ally to help steer his agenda through the Senate.

Although their relationship was turbulent at times, Lindsey Graham was one of Trump’s top confidants in the Senate, and the day after his death, the president said he was “like a family member.”

In his announcement Monday, McMaster did not mention Darlene Graham as a replacement or symbolic appointment.

However, a person familiar with McMaster’s thinking but not authorized to speak publicly said that the governor, in choosing Darlene Graham, never thought she would run for the seat herself.

Sen. Tim Scott, another Republican from South Carolina, said he would not endorse any candidate in the primary because he also serves as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

But, he said, “As Tim Scott, the elector of South Carolina, I may tread water at some point.”

“I think the fact of the matter is that so far Darlene is off to a great start,” Scott told reporters, questioning her as a potential contender in the special primary. Why wouldn’t it be her? That would be my question.”

When he died, Lindsey Graham had millions in his campaign account and was expected to raise more before the general election. But this is not money that Darlene Graham would have direct access to if she ran, according to Bradley A. Smith, former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission.

Read more: From vocal critic to fierce ally: Graham’s long, strange, and consequential friendship with Trump

Under federal rules, Lindsey Graham’s campaign will be limited to transferring only $2,000 to potential running mate Darlene Graham. However, Smith said there is no limit to the amount that can be transferred to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which — thanks to a Supreme Court decision last month — can “spend an unlimited amount in coordination with Darlene’s campaign.”

“This amount cannot be allocated to Darlene’s campaign, but in these circumstances I am sure the party will make sure she is not short of money,” said Smith, who is now a professor at Ohio Capital University College of Law.

Kim reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Thomas Beaumont contributed from Des Moines, Iowa.