Newly appointed Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) gave an eyebrow-raising answer during Tuesday’s special election debate.

Journalist/podcaster Greta Van Susteren asked Graham whether Taiwan or the South China Sea was a national security issue for the U.S.

“I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security,” Graham replied. “But I do support the military. My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years, so I will do everything I can to support the military.”

Graham rose to prominence last month when her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, suddenly died. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) then appointed Graham to finish her late brother’s term, and now she is vying to run for a full term in November. She also has the backing of President Donald Trump.

“Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina,” he added.

Graham failed to win the Republican primary and now faces a runoff election against Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) next week. When asked about his thoughts on the same issue, Norman said he views Taiwan as an important ally of the U.S. and praised Trump’s strategy toward the country.

“We have a trading relationship with them that is beneficial to the United States,” Norman said. “What the president is doing right is he’s enabling Taiwan to defend themselves against China.”

Throughout the debate, Graham aligned herself with Trump on many issues, including the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

The winner of next week’s special election will face Democratic Senate nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who is running on a platform focused on affordable healthcare and financial security.

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