She Answered the Call
For nearly 30 years, Darline Graham has served her home state of South Carolina. Long before she took the oath as the state’s first female senator, she ran programs that helped South Carolinians with disabilities find employment, provide for their families, and live independently.
Darline, who is fiercely protective of taxpayer dollars, helped turn around a struggling state agency known for inefficiency. At the Commission for the Blind, she led 130 employees in 10 offices and oversaw a $90 million budget. In her previous roles, she helped South Carolinians find jobs through her work at the state’s vocational rehabilitation agency and Department of Employment and Workforce.
Darline has devoted her life to helping people find dignity through work – enabling them to contribute to society and support their families. That’s not political experience. It’s something more meaningful: serving South Carolinians – and serving them well.
Darline Graham didn’t seek this job. She answered the call when her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, passed away suddenly. Accepting the appointment to the U.S. Senate from Governor Henry McMaster, Darline said it plainly:
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now, I’ll be there for him.”
That’s the same instinct that’s carried her through three decades of public service: showing up, doing the work, and putting people first. And it’s the same she will carry forward serving the state of South Carolina in the United States Senate.
Darline Graham has spent her career serving the people of South Carolina. Now, she is bringing her conservative values and record of service to the United States Senate.
"Run, Darline, Run!"
“I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate … there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey. Darline…has my Complete and Total Endorsement for U.S. Senate in South Carolina – SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.”
— President Donald J. Trump
"Run, Darline, Run!"
“I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate … there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey. Darline…has my Complete and Total Endorsement for U.S. Senate in South Carolina – SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.”
— President Donald J. Trump
"Run, Darline, Run!"
“I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate … there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey. Darline…has my Complete and Total Endorsement for U.S. Senate in South Carolina – SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.”
— President Donald J. Trump
From Central
to The Capitol
Roots
Born and raised in Central, SC
A lifelong South Carolina resident, rooted in humble beginnings — her parents ran the Sanitary Cafe, and her family lived in a single room behind the business.
Education and Early Career
Optician, Clemson, and USPS
Darline attended Anderson College (now University) for two years and then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston. She later earned a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Her colleague, Senator Tim Scott, pointed out that she is the only current senator serving with a degree from an HBCU. Her first job was working in an optometrist’s office, eventually earning her optician’s certification. She also worked at Clemson University and as a rural carrier associate with the United States Postal Service.
Public Service
Vocational Rehabilitation and SC Commission for the Blind
Darline joined the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department in 2007, where she held multiple leadership roles. For the past seven years, she led a state agency that provides vocational rehabilitation, independent-living, and blindness-prevention services across South Carolina.
Senate
Sworn in as U.S. Senator
Appointed and sworn in as South Carolina's first female senator.
Family
Wife. Mother. Grandmother
Lives in Lexington with her husband, Larry. She has two daughters and a grandson.
A Lifetime of Service
Commissioner
Agency Head, SC Commission for the Blind. Vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and blindness prevention.
Workforce Board
Member, SC State Workforce Development Board and its SC Works Management Committee.
President-Elect
National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.
Public service isn’t new to her. The title is.
Mother. Leader. South Carolina Senator.