Sen. Darline Graham made her first major campaign appearance Saturday, telling Republican voters she never expected to seek elected office but decided to run for a full U.S. Senate term after being encouraged by President Donald Trump.

Her comments were made while speaking before hundreds of Republicans at a candidate forum in Lexington hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party, Republican gubernatorial nominee Alan Wilson, and the River Bluff High School Lexington One Center for Law and Policy Development.

Graham acknowledged her lack of political experience while arguing that her background outside of government will help her tackle the issues facing South Carolinians. 

She said she wants to continue advancing Trump’s agenda in Washington after being appointed to temporarily fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother, longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham. 

“I’ve never had any desire to be a politician. I’m here today because I’m answering President Trump’s call to serve. I want to stand up for South Carolina, and I want to fight for President Trump’s agenda," she said.

The special Republican primary has drawn nine candidates, making it one of the most competitive races in South Carolina politics this year. 

Among Graham’s top rivals are U.S. Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, former Gov. Mark Sanford and businessman Mark Lynch. 

According to the Associated Press, Sanford, a former congressman and governor, centered his remarks on fiscal responsibility, warning about growing federal deficits and mounting national debt. 

Norman highlighted key endorsements he has received in the race, including backing from Florida Sen. Rick Scott and Utah Sen. Mike Lee. Norman stressed his support for the SAVE America Act, which is election reform legislation that has been a major priority for President Donald Trump.

Fry elaborated on his upbringing, telling attendees that his family was sustained by “our belief in God, hard work, blue-collar hustle” as he outlined the values that shaped his life and campaign, AP reported.

If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote in the Aug. 11 primary, the top two finishers will advance to an Aug. 25 runoff. 

The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the Nov. 3 general election.