Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was sworn in on July 14 to complete his Senate term, making history as both South Carolina’s first female senator and the first sibling in American history appointed to fill a vacant Senate seat.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham on July 13, just two days after her brother’s death on July 11. Under South Carolina law, the governor has the authority to fill Senate vacancies by appointment until a successor is elected, and Graham will serve through January 3, 2027, when the new Congress convenes.
Graham, 62, brings nearly 30 years of public service experience to the role. Since 2019, she has served as Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, where she has worked to expand employment and independence opportunities for South Carolinians who are blind or have low vision. She previously held positions with Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.
In her statement upon appointment, Graham 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.”
The appointment of a family member to fill a Senate vacancy has historical precedent. According to a Facebook post on the topic, family members have filled Senate seats in at least 8 out of 9 documented cases throughout U.S. Senate history. However, Graham’s appointment is unprecedented as the first time a sibling has been selected for this role—previous family appointments have typically involved widows or other relatives of deceased senators.
Graham announced on July 20 that she will run for a full term in the November 2026 general election. The South Carolina Republican Party held a special primary election on August 11 to nominate a candidate to replace Lindsey Graham on the ballot, with filing open from July 21 through July 28. President Trump announced his backing for Graham’s candidacy, according to reporting from the period.
Sources
- AP News — Darline Graham sworn in three days after her brother’s death
- Governor Henry McMaster’s Office — Official announcement of Darline Graham’s appointment, her background, and South Carolina succession law
- The New York Times — Graham’s swearing-in and her service through January 2027
- The Guardian — Darline Graham’s age (62), her historic status as first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate
- PBS NewsHour — Graham’s announcement on July 20 that she will run for a full term
- Fox Carolina — Graham as the first sibling in American history appointed to replace a senator
- CNN — Details of Graham’s swearing-in on July 14
