South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of her brother’s Senate term following the longtime Republican lawmaker’s sudden death over the weekend.
McMaster announced the appointment hours after President Donald Trump publicly urged him to select Nordone, calling the move “a fabulous tribute” to his beloved sister and closest political ally. Nordone will serve until Graham’s term expires in early January 2027.
Trump endorsed the appointment
Trump revealed Monday that he had personally recommended Nordone to McMaster, praising the close relationship she shared with her brother.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as Interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly.”
McMaster accepted that recommendation, making Nordone the state’s newest U.S. senator.
A lifelong family bond
The appointment reflects the unusually close relationship between Lindsey Graham and his younger sister.
After both of their parents died within 15 months of one another, Graham became Nordone’s legal guardian while still in his early 20s. He often said raising his sister was the most important responsibility of his life.
Nordone has spent most of her career outside politics, working to help people with disabilities obtain employment while raising her family in South Carolina. She frequently appeared alongside Graham at major political events, including his 2026 reelection announcement.
Special election still ahead
Although Nordone will complete the remainder of Graham’s current Senate term, South Carolina Republicans are already preparing for a special election to choose the party’s nominee for the next full six-year term.
Several high-profile Republicans, including Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Russell Fry, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Attorney General Alan Wilson, are expected to compete for the GOP nomination. The Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with a runoff, if necessary, on Aug. 25. The general election will be held Nov. 3.
Filling the seat of a longtime senator
Graham died Saturday at age 71 after suffering an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings.
His death ended more than two decades of Senate service and left South Carolina without its most influential voice in Washington. By appointing Nordone, McMaster said the state would be represented by someone who knew Graham best while voters prepare to choose his long-term successor.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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