'She'll win': Trump-endorsed Darline Graham jolts South Carolina's lightning Senate primary

President Trump's surprise endorsement of Sen. Darline Graham to succeed her late brother in the Senate pits his powerful influence against the conservative establishment in the compressed Republican primary next month.

Ms. Graham, who was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster last week to serve as a temporary replacement after the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, announced Monday that she was vying to be more than a placeholder.

Ms. Graham told Fox News host Sean Hannity she planned to file this week to run for a full six-year term in the special Republican Senate primary slated for Aug. 11.

'I've made a decision,' she said. 'I'm in.'

'I've been praying a lot and talking to my family. 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. I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes.'

Mr. Trump said: 'I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey. We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot.'

Matt Towery, a South Carolina pollster and analyst, said: 'Darline will win if she runs.'

C.J. Westfall, the Dorchester County GOP chairman, said: 'People that were OK with the appointment by Governor McMaster are telling me that they are not OK with the president's endorsement because they don't know her.'