President Donald Trump recommended Monday that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to fill her brother’s Senate seat temporarily, according to reporting from CNBC, NBC News, and The Guardian.
Trump posted on social media: “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.” The Guardian reported that Trump said appointing Darline Graham Nordone would be a “fabulous tribute” to the Republican who died Saturday.
Lindsey Graham died at age 71 following a brief illness on July 11. Sen. Tim Scott and other top Republicans have backed the appointment, according to Fox News and social media posts. The Washington Post reported that Darline Graham Nordone, described as an employment specialist, has little political history beyond publicly praising her brother.
Lindsey Graham raised his younger sister after their parents died, and she attended his Senate oath ceremony in 2015, according to The New York Times and The Guardian. The siblings had a close relationship throughout his life and political career.
The appointed interim senator would serve until Graham’s term expires in early January 2027. A special Republican primary election is scheduled for August 11 to determine the permanent replacement, according to The Guardian. Gov. McMaster held a press conference Monday afternoon to announce his final decision on the appointment.
The situation echoes other instances when governors have appointed family members or close allies to fill Senate vacancies. Darline Graham Nordone’s potential appointment would make her a significant political figure despite her limited prior public political involvement, as noted by the Washington Post.
Sources
- CNBC — Trump recommends Lindsey Graham’s sister serve as interim senator for South Carolina
- NBC News — Trump recommends South Carolina’s governor appoint Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline, to serve out his Senate term
- The Guardian — Trump backs Lindsey Graham’s sister to serve rest of Republican’s Senate term; reporting on Trump’s statement and the interim appointment timeline
- The Washington Post — Darline Graham Nordone has little political history beyond praising her brother; background on her career as employment specialist
- Fox News — Tim Scott and Trump pushing McMaster to appoint Darline Graham Nordone as caretaker Senate replacement
- The New York Times — Lindsey Graham’s Sister Darline Nordone Was His Family; reporting on their close relationship and Graham raising her after their parents’ deaths
- Politico — McMaster, Trump look to Graham’s sister for Senate; reporting on the recommendation and political backing
