Nancy Mace slams Darline Graham over ‘national security is not my thing’ debate answer
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Nancy Mace from South Carolina didn’t hold back this week. On her podcast ‘Get Maced,’ she called out fellow Republican Sen. Darline Graham after Graham admitted during a primary debate that national security isn’t her strong suit. Mace made it clear she thinks national security isn’t just another topic up for debate; it’s one of the biggest responsibilities for anyone running for Senate.
Graham, who only recently joined the Senate after her brother, former Sen. Lindsey Graham, passed away, is trying to hold on to the seat. She’s facing a primary challenge from Rep. Ralph Norman, so there’s a lot at stake.
Darline Graham faces backlash over national security debate answer
Graham, who was appointed to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham in the Senate last month and is now running for a full term, drew backlash and mockery over the answer she gave this week during a debate against primary opponent Rep. Ralph Norman.
Q: Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States?
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) August 19, 2026
Sen. Darline Graham: “I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security, so — but I do support the military.”
Wow pic.twitter.com/nvdA6BGoIf
“I’m just gonna be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security, so...” Graham answered after being asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea were national security issues for the US.
She continued, “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. 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.”
The answer drew criticism as Graham campaigns for a full Senate term. Mace also took issue with the remarks, arguing that national security should be central to the responsibilities of a senator.
Nancy Mace criticizes Darline Graham on her podcast
Replaying a clip of the answer on her podcast, Mace reacted with near disbelief while suggesting she wished she was running for the Senate seat herself.
“Oh God. I don’t even, I can’t even, I’m, I’m now regretting I’m not running for the US Senate. Jesus, I can’t even,” she said.
Mace remarked, “Saying national security isn’t your thing is like applying to be a lifeguard and saying water isn’t your thing.”
Mace also addressed Graham’s comments in a post on X.
I’m sorry, but my head exploded when I watched Darline Graham say, "National security is not her thing.”
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) August 21, 2026
And what the HELL happened in Florida Tuesday night? The socialists aren't coming. They’re already here, and they're on the ballot.
South Carolina votes Tuesday. Do you want… pic.twitter.com/e7YxxlQR7W
Nancy Mace questions Graham’s Iran response
She noted that Graham’s answer was particularly concerning when combined with her answer to a different question in an interview with Fox Carolina News the same week.
“I trust President Trump to make that decision, and the team of generals he has around him,” Graham replied.
“I do know this, that, you know, we, that’s been going on for 47 years. I feel like Iran is the weakest it’s ever been, but, uh, they’re still strong, they’re still dangerous. So, I trust President Trump to make that decision.”
“This is the part that should worry you,” Mace said, adding, “On that one question, she had an answer, and it was yes.”
The race is one of several Senate contests this cycle drawing national attention amid broader questions about foreign policy experience among newer candidates entering competitive primaries.
