Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) tapped the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to finish out her brother’s term until it ends in January 2027.
McMaster’s pick aligns with calls from President Donald Trump to choose Nordone for the role. During the ceremony, the interim senator memorialized her brother and vowed “to do this.”
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” the president wrote in a statement on Truth Social on Monday morning. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
The Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, released a statement congratulating Nordone’s nomination.
“To honor Senator Lindsey Graham’s incredible legacy, there could be no more fitting tribute than for his beloved sister, Darline, to complete the remainder of his term in the U.S. Senate,” the SLF’s executive director, Alex Latcham, said. “While we grieve the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, we also extend our warmest congratulations to Senator-designate Darline Graham Nordone.”
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) also praised Nordone’s selection as “an incredible way to honor the legacy of Lindsey Graham.”
“Nobody understands Lindsey Graham’s heart for faith, family, and South Carolina the way she does,” Scott said. “I look forward to working alongside her to continue Senator Graham’s commitment to keeping Americans safe and secure.”
Graham’s sudden death leaves an opening for Democratic nominee, Dr. Annie Andrews, to run unopposed in the 2026 midterm election. Graham was the clear frontrunner in the deep-red South Carolina race.
Under South Carolina law, Republicans will hold a special primary election to determine who will become the replacement Republican nominee for the Senate seat.
Andrews, who won her nomination last month, has had time to build her general election campaign financially and hone her messaging.
DEMOCRATS SEE OPENING AFTER GRAHAM’S DEATH SHAKES UP SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE
The power vacuum will allow her to focus on fundraising and voter outreach as Republicans scramble to fill the vacancy.
Graham was a close ally of the president, frequently serving as a top intermediary for Trump between the White House and congressional Republicans.