Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) stated she was "not that informed on national security" during a Republican runoff debate Tuesday evening. The comment occurred when Graham was asked about the U.S. position regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea. Graham, who was appointed to fill the seat of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, declined to answer the specific policy question but stated that she supports the military.
The debate was part of a runoff election between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) to determine the Republican nominee for the South Carolina Senate seat. Graham was appointed to the position in July following the death of Lindsey Graham on July 11. While her brother was known for a focus on foreign intervention and international alliances, Darline Graham has stated her primary focus is on economic issues and affordability for South Carolinians.
During the debate, Norman answered the same question by highlighting the importance of Taiwan's semiconductor production and supporting presidential efforts to help Taiwan defend itself against China. Following the exchange, Graham described China as a national security threat and expressed support for bans on Chinese involvement in artificial intelligence and farmland. She also answered questions regarding Israel and Iran, agreeing with Norman that Iran is a threat and Israel is an ally.
The admission regarding national security drew criticism from across the political spectrum. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley wrote on social media that national security knowledge is "critical in the U.S. Senate" and is not something that can be inherited. Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews also criticized the remark, stating that voters deserve a candidate more focused on national security during wartime. Graham's spokesperson later told reporters that South Carolina voters are more concerned with financial issues than the South China Sea.
The debate highlights a specific choice for Republican voters regarding the scale of legislative experience. Darline Graham has served in the Senate for approximately six weeks and 20 days, whereas her opponent, Ralph Norman, has served in public office for 20 years. A resident of South Carolina will notice the impact of this choice in how their senator votes on international aid packages, such as those for Ukraine or Israel, and how they approach domestic legislation like the SAVE America Act, which both candidates support.
Furthermore, the race tests the influence of presidential endorsements in South Carolina, as Graham is backed by President Donald Trump. The winner of the August 25 Republican runoff will face Dr. Annie Andrews in the November general election. The final result will determine South Carolina's representation in the Senate during a period involving active international conflicts and debates over U.S. military presence abroad. The effective date for the new six-year term will begin following the November general election.