Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham Nordone is drawing a clear distinction between herself and her late brother, former Sen. Lindsey Graham, pledging to support eliminating the Senate filibuster if it stands in the way of advancing Republican priorities.
Nordone made the comments Monday during a Republican primary debate in Columbia, South Carolina, where she appeared alongside Rep. Ralph Norman, Rep. Russell Fry, businessman Mark Lynch, and former Gov. Mark Sanford. The Aug. 11 primary will determine who advances in the race for the Senate seat previously held by Lindsey Graham.
During the debate, Nordone highlighted her support for the SAVE America Act, which she said was among the first pieces of legislation she co-sponsored after being appointed to the Senate following her brother’s death last month.
Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) on passing the SAVE Act and ending the filibuster: “I am all for, and this is where I differ from my brother, getting rid of the filibuster to get this done, because eventually the Democrats are going to get rid of it anyway.” pic.twitter.com/GK8gYvLLaG
— CSPAN (@cspan) August 4, 2026
“One of the first things I did was co-sponsor the SAVE America Act,” she said. “As I said earlier, I’m willing to stay through recess to get it done. What’s up with recess anyway? Who gets a month off from work? I think we should stay up there and work and get it done.”
Nordone argued that requiring identification to vote is a matter of common sense.
“You have to have an ID to check out a library book or buy alcohol. You don’t have to have an ID to vote? That’s absurd,” she said, referencing reports that approximately 6,600 non-citizens had been identified on New Jersey’s voter rolls.
She then drew one of the sharpest contrasts between herself and her brother by addressing the Senate filibuster.
“And I am all for—and this is where I differ from my brother—getting rid of the filibuster to get this done,” Nordone said. “Because eventually the Democrats are going to get rid of it anyway.”
I stand with President Trump 100%. And I’ll join him in walking every single illegal immigrant right out of our country. pic.twitter.com/5yRW5AUHBu
— Darline Graham (@DarlineGrahamSC) August 3, 2026
Lindsey Graham had generally defended preserving the legislative filibuster during his years in the Senate, arguing that the rule protects the rights of the minority party and encourages bipartisan cooperation.
The debate also included a personal moment when Nordone thanked supporters who had offered prayers following her brother’s passing.
“We all know why I’m here,” she said.
Later in the evening, she defended Lindsey Graham after businessman Mark Lynch criticized the late senator. Lynch had previously lost to Graham in the June Republican primary before Graham’s death.
“I don’t know if he’s just afraid Lindsey beat him and now his little sister’s going to beat him,” Nordone said. “But I just don’t like hearing that.”
I answered President Trump’s call to serve because, like him, I’m not a politician. I’m a hard worker who won’t back down.
I’m ready to serve, work hard for the people of South Carolina every single day, and earn your vote. pic.twitter.com/LI5fdnnJGM
— Darline Graham (@DarlineGrahamSC) August 3, 2026
Over the weekend, Nordone acknowledged that she lacks the political résumé of several of her opponents but said her campaign is rooted in a desire to continue advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“I certainly never expected to be on this stage, giving this stump speech,” she said during a campaign event in Lexington.
“I’ve never had any desire to be a politician. 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.”
