Senate Candidate Darline Graham Faces Scrutiny Over National Security Expertise

Senator Darline Graham, appointed to fill her late brother Senator Lindsey Graham’s vacant seat, made headlines during a South Carolina GOP Senate debate. She admitted that she is “not that informed on national security” as she campaigns for a six-year term.

Graham’s admission came days before the primary runoff against Representative Ralph Norman. In response to a moderator’s question about Taiwan and the South China Sea as national security issues, she stated, “National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise.” Graham also emphasized her support for the military, citing her brother’s Air Force service and her father’s Army experience.

President Donald Trump has endorsed Graham, encouraging her to seek a full term after being appointed by Governor Henry McMaster. Norman has referred to Graham as the establishment’s chosen candidate.

Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States, and if so, why or how?

Graham responded, admitting her limited knowledge but reiterating her military support. This response drew criticism, including from former U.N. ambassador and governor Nikki Haley. Haley highlighted the importance of being well-versed in national security as a U.S. Senate member.

South Carolina talk-show host Tara Servatius criticized Graham’s inability to answer the foreign policy question, pointing out that her “stunned 16-year-old” son could answer it easily.

After the debate, Graham remarked to reporters that constituents seemed more concerned with economic issues than the South China Sea.

During a Fox News interview, Graham described her approach as focusing on everyday issues over her brother’s foreign policy emphasis.

Another misstep during the debate occurred when Graham claimed South Carolina has 50 million residents, misquoting the actual 5 million population. Representative Nancy Mace criticized this mistake on social media.

Alec Schemmel, based in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area, reports on politics for Fox News Digital.