South Carolina Republicans have split over the defeat of Darline Graham, according to a New York Times report by Emily Davies, published November 7, 2026. The report said the disagreement centers on who is responsible for the outcome.

The New York Times reported that some Republicans blamed President Trump for backing Graham, whom the paper called a “novice candidate,” after the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Those critics faulted the president for that backing.

According to The New York Times, others accused Ms. Graham's team of pushing her to run despite her lack of experience. Both accusations appear in the same report, and the summary presents them without ruling on either. The report presents the two lines of blame as separate, one aimed at the president and the other at Ms. Graham's team.

The New York Times summary does not name the Republicans who made either set of accusations. It also does not include vote totals, the office involved, or any response from President Trump or Ms. Graham's team. It does not say when the defeat occurred.

The New York Times described the reaction as a fracture among South Carolina Republicans. The summary does not say whether either side has moved toward the other or what steps the party may take next.

This story is based on the summary of the New York Times article, which carries the byline of Emily Davies. Readers seeking further detail, including names and responses, would need to consult the full article, which this story did not review.

Sources: The New York Times: South Carolina Republicans Fracture Over Stunning Defeat of Darline Graham.