Darline Graham Nordone Will Replace Her Late Brother in the US Senate, S.C. Governor Says

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday that Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, will serve in the U.S. Senate for the remainder of her brother’s term following his death over the weekend.

Speaking at a press conference in Columbia, McMaster formally named Nordone to fill the vacancy left by the longtime Republican senator, who died Saturday at age 71 after suffering severe heart complications. Graham’s office said the senator’s death was preliminarily attributed to an aortic dissection caused by hardening of the arteries.

Graham served in the Senate for more than two decades and was a leading voice on national security, judicial nominations, and foreign policy. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from lawmakers across Washington and South Carolina, with many Republicans highlighting his decades of public service and close relationship with President Donald Trump

“This is an important day in South Carolina history,” McMaster said during the press conference. “We meet in sadness over the loss of one of South Carolina’s greatest sons. Lindsey Graham recognized the greatness of America and its role in this world.”

“Today, under the law, it is my duty to name a replacement. It is my honor to ask his little sister, Darline, to take his place,” McMaster added.

Nordone welcomed the governor’s remarks, saying that “Lindsey was always there for me, now I am going to be there for him.”

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During his initial remarks in the press conference, the governor added that after talking with Nordone on Monday morning, he “called President Donald Trump afterward, to which the commander in chief believed was a great idea.”

On Monday morning, after the governor and president spoke, Trump publicly urged McMaster to appoint Graham’s sister to the seat.

“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Trump wrote Monday on Truth Social.

Nordone has long been one of her brother’s closest confidantes. After the deaths of their parents when she was 13 years old, Graham became her legal guardian and often spoke publicly about their close relationship.

The appointment ensures that South Carolina will have full representation in the Senate while voters determine who will ultimately succeed Graham.

Republican voters are scheduled to select a nominee in a special primary on Aug. 11. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the top contenders will advance to a runoff election on Aug. 25. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election. The winner will claim the seat once Graham’s term concludes.

Several Republicans have been mentioned as potential candidates, including Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Ralph Norman, and Rep. Nancy Mace. All three have been floated as possible contenders for the seat as South Carolina Republicans begin the process of choosing a long-term successor to one of the state’s most influential political figures.