National security question trips up Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina debate

U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., speaks with reporters after a... — U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., speaks with reporters after a debate with U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., ahead of the special GOP Senate runoff election to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Newberry, S.C. Credit: AP/Meg Kinnard

By The Associated PressAugust 19, 2026 1:30 am

WASHINGTON — Sen. Darline Graham, who is competing in next week’s runoff election in South Carolina, stumbled over a question about foreign policy in a debate on Tuesday night.

“Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States and if so, why or how?” asked one of the moderators.

Graham started her answer by saying, “I’m just going to be honest here."

“I’m not that informed on national security," she said, then paused. "But I do support the military."

Graham’s brother, Lindsey, died unexpectedly on July 11. She was appointed to fill his seat temporarily, and now she’s running in a special election for her own term. Her opponent is Rep. Ralph Norman.

Her answer was noteworthy because her late brother was known for his involvement in foreign policy, something that Graham mentioned in her answer.

“My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years so I will do everything I can to support the military," she said. "My dad was in the Army. I’m not a polished politician up here, national security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military.”