During a debate in Newberry on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Senator Darline Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, faced a significant challenge when asked about the United States’ national security interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea. The question, which addresses a long-standing foreign policy stance across administrations, led to Graham admitting that national security is not her area of expertise.
Graham, who was appointed to her Senate seat last month following the unexpected death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, is currently campaigning in a special GOP Senate runoff election. Her opponent, U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, suggested that her struggle to answer demonstrated she was unqualified for the role. Norman emphasized that a six-year Senate term requires a full understanding of the issues, stating that it is not a position for on-the-job training.
The exchange highlighted a stark contrast with her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who was known for his extensive involvement in foreign policy during his decades in the Senate. He frequently traveled internationally, including multiple trips to Taiwan, where he led a delegation in 2022 to meet with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the island’s defense minister.
When pressed by reporters after the debate, Darline Graham reiterated her focus on the everyday concerns of South Carolinians, stating that constituents are more worried about their finances than the South China Sea. She affirmed her support for the military, noting her brother’s 33 years in the Air Force and her father’s service in the Army. Graham also mentioned that she had spoken about the threat posed by China multiple times during the debate, acknowledging the importance of national security.
Graham, who often referred to notes on a legal pad during the debate despite candidates not being permitted to bring notes, acknowledged her misstep in a subsequent interview. She explained that she was being honest about her lack of foreign policy expertise and believed voters appreciated her candor. She has been supported by many of her brother’s Capitol Hill staff, who have worked to bring her up to speed on legislative issues, including a Russia sanctions bill named in his honor.
Taiwan, claimed by China as part of its territory, is a critical point of contention in the South China Sea, a vital global trade route. The U.S. maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding military defense of Taiwan but has consistently supported the island’s defense capabilities. Admiral Frank Bradley, commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, recently stated during a visit to Manila that American special operations forces are prepared to enhance warfighting readiness exercises with partners in the Philippines and other Asian countries to strengthen security alliances and deter major regional conflict.
