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| Posted on Thursday, August 06 @ 00:00:27 PDT |
Sen. Darline Graham never saw herself as a politician but says serving in brothers seat is a calling
Sen. Darline Graham became the first woman to serve her home state of South Carolina when her beloved brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, suddenly died and Gov. Henry McMaster asked her to fill his seat.
She says it was never her desire to be a politician, even though she was raised by one of the most consequential politicians of our time. Darline and Lindsey Graham were incredibly close, growing up with loving parents in one room behind the pool hall, restaurant and bar that the family owned and ran in the small town of Central. When they lost both parents within 15 months, Lindsey stepped up to raise his 13-year-old sister.
The first in his family to go to college, he came back home from the University of South Carolina every weekend to be with his sister.
WYFF4 was invited to sit down with Graham in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 4, as her Senate duties dont offer her much time to get back to her home state, even to campaign for the GOP nomination for the seat.
CLICK ON THE VIDEO ABOVE TO HEAR ABOUT SEN. DARLINE GRAHAMS LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY.
Graham was asked how she was managing it all, grieving her beloved brother, while carrying on the duties of the U.
S. Senate, and campaigning all in just three weeks since his sudden death. She said, Right now, it’s just a whirlwind. Unfortunately, I buried my precious brother just last week, which was very difficult. I’m trying to meet new people, learn the role of a U.S. senator and campaign on top of it.
She credits the wonderful staff, thank goodness I have a wonderful staff — Lindsey’s staff on both the campaign side and the official Senate side. They’ve been with him for years, and they’re committed to staying with me. I’m very, very fortunate. I could not do it without them.
The states first female senator tells me she doesnt have her brothers foreign relations skills but recognizes the great importance of National Security and protecting Israel. She says she struggles, just like 50 percent of all South Carolinians who dont have three months of savings built up and live paycheck to paycheck.
I live the struggle that most South Carolinians live. I’m an expert on the family budget, not the federal budget, Graham said.
On the day of our interview, the senator shared that it was her daughters first day of school as she begins her senior year. She was asked if it made her sad not to be home to see her daughter off to school, and she admitted it was, but said shes so proud of me and wants me to be here doing this work for our country.
My husband and daughters and son-in-law are all so proud and so encouraging; I couldnt do this without their love and support.
And thats what she said is the center of it all for her; its heart.
Like Lindsey, I have a servant’s heart. I want to work hard for the people of South Carolina, and I care about our country. I’m also very proud to have President (Donald) Trump’s endorsement, Graham said.
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