Senate candidate’s state agency record draws praise and criticism

Darline Graham is highlighting her seven-year tenure leading a state agency for blind South Carolinians as evidence of government experience in her campaign for a full U.S. Senate term. She took over in 2019 and said she inherited problems with internal controls and federal compliance.

Disability advocates credited Graham with improving staff retention, wages and payments to training providers. Agency turnover fell from nearly 40% in 2022 to about 12% in 2023 after lawmakers approved about $527,000 for salary adjustments.

The agency’s work has also fueled criticism in the Republican primary, including attacks over diversity and inclusion efforts. Graham’s campaign has denied supporting liberal DEI policies, although agency documents and her earlier remarks described efforts to build a more diverse workforce.

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