Trouble in red-hot succession race as top Republican leader snubs Lindsey Graham's grieving sister

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune opted out of endorsing Darline Graham Nordone in the race to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat.

Thune described her as a 'strong candidate,' adding that 'she obviously carries on Lindsey's legacy.'

But that was as far as he went, declining to back Nordone or anyone else for the time being. 

'Sounds like the field is taking shape,' he told reporters on Monday. 'And I’ll let the voters in South Carolina decide it.' 

News of Nordone's intention to enter the Republican primary for her brother's seat broke today in a clip from an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Meanwhile Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who had hinted at jumping into the race, bowed out in a video statement on X on Monday. 

Nordone was appointed to finish her brother's term by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and was sworn in on July 14.

But Graham's term was set to end in January, meaning a long-term replacement will also have to be elected in the aftermath of the Senator's unexpected death. 

Thune's non-endorsement comes even as Donald Trump declares his strong support for the sister of his former ally.

Nordone has never held elected office, but spent decades in public service, working with a South Carolina government agency that helped people with disabilities find jobs.

The President offered Nordone his 'complete and total endorsement' if she were to run, likely making it difficult for another candidate to mount a successful challenge. 

Nonetheless, several others, including South Carolina Congressmen Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, have said they will also run in the Republican primary for Graham's seat, with Fry formally declaring his candidacy on Monday.

Businessmen Patrick Hermann and Mark Lynch are also running, along with attorney Duke Buckner.

The filing period opens on Tuesday and closes after one week, leaving candidates little time to campaign before the August 11 primary. 

The winner of the primary will advance to face Annie Andrews, the pediatrician nominated by the Democratic party earlier this year.

South Carolina, a solidly red state, has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since Ernest Hollings left office in 2005.