- Newly appointed South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham, who took over her late brother Lindsey Graham 's seat with backing from President Donald Trump, faced widespread criticism after admitting during a Republican runoff debate that she is not well informed on national security.
- Graham declined to answer a question regarding the U.S. position on Taiwan and the South China Sea. “I’m just going to be honest here, I’m not that informed on national security, so,” Graham responded. “But I do support the military.”
- Prominent political figures from both parties condemned her response, with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley emphasizing that national security expertise is critical in the U.S. Senate.
- Defending her comments after the debate, Graham stated that South Carolina voters are more concerned about their pocketbooks than foreign policy in the South China Sea.
- Graham is competing against Representative Ralph Norman in the August 25 Republican runoff, with the winner set to face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November.
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