Lindsey Graham’s sister appointed as interim U.S. Senator following his death

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of former U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, has been appointed interim U.S. senator following his death on Saturday.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster made the historic appointment at a Monday ceremony in Columbia, making Nordone the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.

“Lindsey Graham recognized the greatness of America, the seriousness of his work, and also the value of human and lighthearted spirit. He understood the hopes, dreams, and needs of his state and delivered for his state every time,” Governor McMaster said. “Today, under the law, it is my duty and honor to name someone to serve in the place of this extraordinary man for the remainder of his term. It is my honor to ask his little sister, Darline, to finish his work.”

Graham, 71, died in Washington, D.C. after what a medical examiner said was a tear in the aorta, the body’s main artery, caused by an underlying cardiovascular disease.

McMaster said he asked Nordone on Sunday morning to take over the seat, and she accepted during what he described as an emotional conversation. The governor said he also discussed the appointment with President Donald Trump, who supported the decision.

Graham became Nordone’s legal guardian after their parents died and later adopted her when she was 13 years old.

Before her appointment, Nordone worked with the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department and has served as Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2019.

Nordone, a resident of Lexington, serves on the SC State Workforce Development Board and is the president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of Charleston, a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, and is a Certified Public Manager.

Nordone remembered her brother at the ceremony and promised to carry on with his work through the remainder of the term.

“Lindsey worked harder than anyone to make our state, country, and world better. He loved his family and loved serving this state and the country. He dedicated his life to our country,” Nordone said. “It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard every day over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.”

Among those in attendance were numerous political and professional associates who worked with Graham throughout his career; few knew him like fellow South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

“The appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to the U.S. Senate is an incredible way to honor the legacy of Lindsey Graham,” said Sen. Scott. Nobody understands Lindsey Graham’s heart for faith, family, and South Carolina the way she does. I look forward to working alongside her to continue Senator Graham’s commitment to keeping Americans safe and secure.”

Nordone will serve until January 3, 2027, when the new Congress convenes following the November 2026 general election.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Lindsey Graham was running for re-election at the time of his death.

A special primary will be held in August to determine who faces Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November general election.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for updates.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.