South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone on Monday to fill the remainder of her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Senate term, following President Donald Trump’s recommendation that the governor select Graham’s sister for the temporary post.
McMaster announced the appointment at a news conference, saying, “Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed. It’s my honor to ask his little sister Darline Graham to finish his work for him now.” Graham Nordone, an employment specialist, accepted the appointment and said she was honored to serve the remainder of Lindsey’s term, which ends January 3.
Graham died on July 11 at age 71 from an aortic dissection, a rupture of the main artery leaving the heart caused by hardening of his arteries, according to his office. He had just returned from a trip to Ukraine and was preparing for a television appearance when he died suddenly.
Trump posted on Truth Social that appointing Graham Nordone would be “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly.” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., endorsed the selection, writing that “there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state, and our country.”
The siblings shared a close bond rooted in tragedy. Graham legally adopted Darline when she was 13 after their father died of a heart attack. Their mother had died just 15 months earlier of Hodgkin lymphoma. Darline later recalled standing in their living room when their father passed away and how “Lindsey wrapped his arms around me and promised me that he would always be there for me and always take care of me.”
Graham Nordone will serve as interim senator until a special Republican primary election on August 11 determines the nominee to face voters in the general election. Under South Carolina law, candidates have one week starting July 21 to file for the primary. Several potential candidates have emerged, including businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Graham in the GOP primary last month; Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.; and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, both of whom recently lost gubernatorial primary races.
Sources
- NBC News — Confirmed McMaster’s appointment of Darline Graham Nordone, her statement, Trump’s recommendation, and details of the sibling relationship and family history
- The Washington Post — Reported Trump’s recommendation and the appointment announcement
- The New York Times — Confirmed the August 11 special primary election date and filing deadlines
- Wikipedia — Identified Darline Graham Nordone as an employment specialist
