In a surprising turn of events, Darline Graham secured a win in the recent South Carolina runoff election, marking a significant achievement for the GOP. Her victory over Rep. Ralph Norman came in the race to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham. His sudden death in July at the age of 71 left his Senate seat vacant.

With little prior political experience, Darline Graham’s endorsement by former President Donald Trump propelled her to success. Despite being initially appointed to complete the final months of her brother’s term, she sought to establish herself as more than a temporary placeholder.

“Darline is somebody I’ve known for a long time,” Trump stated at a rally for her in Myrtle Beach. “Everyone loves her. Everyone respects her,” he added, emphasizing her strong personal ties.

Graham differs from her brother in her approach to politics, focusing predominantly on domestic issues rather than foreign policy. This approach was questioned when she admitted during a debate that she was not well-versed in the strategic importance of Taiwan.

Trump, however, provided significant financial backing to support her campaign. His MAGA Inc. fund, boasting a vast $400 million war chest, allocated over $800,000 to a phone campaign over the weekend in favor of Graham, as shown by campaign finance records.

Throughout the race, Darline Graham positioned herself as a staunch supporter of Trump’s agenda. Her campaign emphasized a strong critique of Norman, suggesting he was not aligned with Republican leadership.

In debates, Graham highlighted her accomplishments, citing her rapid legislative impact. She boasted of passing the bipartisan Russia sanctions package and casting a crucial vote to confirm Trump’s attorney general, Todd Blanche.

“I was in Washington for only two weeks before I passed the Russia and Iran Sanctions Act through the Senate,” she claimed. “Simply put, I’ve done more in 20 days than Ralph Norman has done in 20 years.”