South Carolina state senator Darline Graham Nordone is facing intense backlash following reports that she made racist remarks during a legislative session on July 14, 2026. The controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing Nordone using racially charged language while discussing a bill related to education funding.
Details of the Incident
According to multiple witnesses, Nordone, a Republican representing parts of Greenville County, made comments that were widely condemned as racist and offensive. The remarks were directed at a Black colleague during a heated debate over a proposed amendment to the state's education budget. Nordone allegedly said, "You people always play the race card when you don't get your way," according to a transcript of the session provided by the South Carolina Senate press office.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and the video quickly went viral on social media, amassing over 2 million views within hours. The Senate Majority Leader, Shane Massey, issued a statement saying, "Senator Nordone's comments do not reflect the values of our caucus or the state of South Carolina. We are reviewing the matter and will take appropriate action."
Calls for Resignation
Several advocacy groups and fellow lawmakers have called for Nordone's immediate resignation. The South Carolina NAACP released a statement saying, "These racist remarks are unacceptable and have no place in our government. Senator Nordone must step down." The state's Democratic Party chairman, Trav Robertson, also demanded her resignation, stating, "This is a clear example of the systemic racism that persists in our political system."
In a press conference on Wednesday morning, Nordone apologized, saying, "I deeply regret my choice of words. They were inappropriate and do not represent who I am. I apologize to my colleague and to everyone I have offended." However, many critics argue that the apology was insufficient and that she should face disciplinary measures.
Impact and Next Steps
The South Carolina Senate Ethics Committee is expected to investigate the incident. If found in violation of Senate rules, Nordone could face censure, removal from committee assignments, or even expulsion. The controversy has also reignited debates about racial tensions within the state legislature, with several lawmakers calling for mandatory diversity and inclusion training.
According to a poll conducted by the Winthrop University Polling Institute, 68% of South Carolina voters believe Nordone should resign, while 22% think she should remain in office. The poll surveyed 800 registered voters and has a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points.
