Nordone to launch bid for Graham's Senate seat

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone (R-S.C.) confirmed on Monday that she's jumping into the GOP race for her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat.

Why it matters: President Trump endorsed Nordone last week, giving her a boost ahead of the filing period for the seat, which opens Tuesday.

What they're saying: "I'm in," Nordone said when asked in a Fox News interview clip posted on X Monday.

• "It is a tremendous amount of pressure," she said, referring to both her decision to run and Trump's endorsement.
• "I'll continue to say I've been praying a lot, talking to my family. But with the love of my family, with the support of his staff, 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."
• The full interview will air Monday night on Fox News' "Hannity."

Catch up quick: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) appointed Nordone last week to replace her brother after his sudden death.

• She has never held public office and previously worked to help people with disabilities find employment.

Zoom out: The filing period for the special election closes July 28.

• South Carolinians will vote in an Aug. 11 Republican primary, with the winner advancing to the November ballot to face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews.
• The winner of November's contest will hold Graham's former seat for the full six-year term.
• Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) confirmed on Saturday that he was hopping into the race, as did Rep. Russell Fry on Monday (R-S.C.). Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said she will not run for the seat on Monday, despite "strongly considering" it before Trump endorsed Nordone.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information throughout.