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Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters he won’t endorse a primary candidate to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) for a full term.
“I’m not endorsing at the moment,” Thune said.
Thune and Republican leaders in the Senate are usually key backers for GOP Senate candidates.
Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, was sworn in last week to serve for the remainder of the term. She said Monday that she will run for the full term, after President Trump posted on social media saying he had encouraged her to do so.
Thune said Monday that the new Sen. Graham is “a strong candidate” amid concerns she does not have adequate political experience to serve in the seat for a permanent basis. She has worked in multiple roles at state agencies and in the private sector helping people with disabilities find jobs.
“I mean, I think she’s, obviously carries on Lindsey’s legacy, but I think she’s a very accomplished person in her own right,” Thune said. “She has a right, like anybody else, to get into that race, it sounds like there are a number who are moving forward with campaigns.”
Several other Republicans, including Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) and Ralph Norman (R-S.C), have announced runs or indicated interest in running. A special primary will take place on Aug. 11, with a runoff later in August if needed. The Republican nominee will face Dr. Annie Andrews, a Democratic pediatrician, in November.
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