Nordone to launch bid for Graham's Senate seat

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone (R-S.C.) confirmed on Monday that she's jumping into the GOP race for her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat.

Why it matters: President Trump endorsed Nordone last week, giving her a boost ahead of the filing period for the seat, which opens Tuesday.

What they're saying: "I'm in," Nordone said when asked in a Fox News interview clip posted on X Monday.

"It is a tremendous amount of pressure," she said, referring to both her decision to run and Trump's endorsement.

"I'll continue to say I've been praying a lot, talking to my family. But with the love of my family, with the support of his staff, I know I'm a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey. He cared about the people of this state. I've worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state."

The full interview will air Monday night on Fox News' "Hannity."

Catch up quick: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) appointed Nordone last week to replace her brother after his sudden death.

She has never held public office and previously worked to help people with disabilities find employment.

Zoom out: The filing period for the special election closes July 28.

South Carolinians will vote in an Aug. 11 Republican primary, with the winner advancing to the November ballot to face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews.

The winner of November's contest will hold Graham's former seat for the full six-year term.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) confirmed on Saturday that he was hopping into the race, as did Rep. Russell Fry on Monday (R-S.C.). Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said she will not run for the seat on Monday, despite "strongly considering" it before Trump endorsed Nordone.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information throughout. ...