Lindsey Graham’s sister selected to take over in the Senate

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone to fill the rest of Senator Lindsey Graham’s term in the U.S. Senate.

Nordone is the late senator’s younger sister.

The announcement, made during a brief and emotional ceremony attended by lawmakers, political allies and longtime colleagues of the senator, carried special personal significance for the Graham family.

Graham died overnight on Sunday from an aortic dissection due to cardiovascular disease. Graham had just returned from an international trip to Ukraine.

McMaster said he asked Darline Graham 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.

“Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed,” McMaster said. “It’s my honor to ask his little sister Darline to finish his work now.”

Darline Graham said she is honored to continue her brother’s work on behalf of South Carolina and the nation.

“It is such a privilege to finish some of his important work,” Graham said. “I promise to work hard 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 of America.”

President Donald Trump threw public support behind Nordone on Monday in a social media post saying, “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!”

Special election timeline

Graham was running for reelection this fall. A special Republican primary election will be held Aug. 11 to determine who will replace him on the ballot. The candidate who wins in November will secure a full six-year term.

The now-senior senator from South Carolina, Tim Scott, endorsed the president’s statements.

Nordone will fill the remainder of her brother’s term that expires in January. A special primary election will take place on Aug. 11 to determine who the Republican candidate will be ahead of the general election in November.

Nordone has no political experience personally but has worked on her brother’s campaigns. She is expected to be sworn in on Wednesday.

Whoever that candidate is will face off against Democrat Annie Andrews for the U.S. Senate seat.