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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 19, 2026Miami-Dade

Sen. Darline Graham faces criticism following debate remarks on national security

Interim U.S. Senator Darline Graham is facing scrutiny from her primary runoff opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman, after stating during a debate that national security is not her area of expertise. The exchange occurred one week before the South Carolina GOP runoff election for the Senate seat Graham was appointed to last month.

electionsforeign policynational securitysenate
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Why It Matters

The debate performance highlights a central point of contention in the South Carolina Senate race regarding the qualifications and policy focus of the versus her challenger.

Key Facts

  • Darline Graham was appointed to the U.S. Senate last month following the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham.
  • A GOP runoff election for the Senate seat is scheduled for next week.
  • During a debate, Darline Graham stated 'national security is not my thing' when asked about U.S. interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
  • Rep. Ralph Norman is challenging Graham for the GOP nomination.
  • President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham and is scheduled to campaign for her this Friday.
  • Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on July 11.
  • Darline Graham has passed a Russia sanctions bill since taking office.
  • The U.S. maintains a policy of 'strategic ambiguity' regarding the military defense of Taiwan.
  • A 2016 arbitration ruling invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea based on the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Who's Mentioned

locationSouth Carolina“State where the Senate election is taking place.”locationTaiwan“Subject of foreign policy debate.”personDarline Graham“Interim U.S. Senator and candidate for the GOP nomination.”personRalph Norman“U.S. Representative and opponent in the GOP runoff.”personFrank Bradley“Admiral and commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.”personTsai Ing-wen“President of Taiwan.”locationSouth China Sea“Subject of foreign policy debate.”personLindsey Graham“Late U.S. Senator and brother of Darline Graham.”personDonald Trump“President who endorsed Darline Graham.”