Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, named interim US senator for South Carolina | Today’s news
Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, has been appointed to fill his US Senate seat temporarily, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Nordone’s appointment at a Statehouse news conference Monday, saying she will serve the remainder of Graham’s current term, which expires in January.
Nordone is expected to be sworn in Wednesday.
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Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, has been appointed senator pro tempore for South Carolina.
The special election will determine the Republican nominee to serve out the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s Senate term after Nordone retires in January.
Governor McMaster appointed Nordone in honor of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, after public support from notables such as President Trump.
The special election will include a July 21 filing deadline, an Aug. 11 Republican primary, a possible Aug. 25 runoff, and a Nov. 3 general election.
Darline Graham Nordone and Lindsey Graham shared a close bond; after their parents died, Lindsey became her legal guardian and helped raise her.
“It’s such an honor,” Nordone said after the announcement. “Lindsey has always been there for me. And now I’m going to be there for him.”
A tribute to her late brother
Nordone’s appointment comes just days after Graham died at age 71 following an aortic dissection caused by chronic heart disease, according to the medical examiner’s preliminary findings.
The siblings shared an unusually close bond. After their parents died when they were young, Graham became Nordone’s legal guardian and helped raise her. During his political career, she often accompanied him to campaign events, appeared in campaign ads and stood by his side when he sought re-election earlier this year, along with her children and grandchildren.
Governor McMaster’s decision follows public support from President Donald Trump, who urged him to appoint Nordone as a tribute to the late senator.
A special election schedule begins
While Nordone will only serve until January, South Carolina law requires a special election to select a Republican nominee for the remainder of the Senate term.
The electoral program is expected to be as follows:
July 21: The week-long reporting period opens for candidates.
August 11: Republican special primary.
August 25: Run-off election, if required.
November 3: General Election.
Republicans are preparing for a crowded contest
Graham’s death has sparked an intense battle among South Carolina Republicans eager to succeed one of the state’s most influential political figures.
Several prominent Republicans are either considering or expected to enter the race, including:
Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford
Meanwhile, Rep. Joe Wilson recused himself, saying he wants to stay in the House to help preserve the narrow Republican majority.
Finance Minister Scott Bessent has also reportedly declined to run for the seat despite receiving enquiries.
Democrats see a rare opportunity
Although South Carolina hasn’t elected a Democratic senator in decades, Democrats already have a nominee in Charleston pediatrician Annie Andrews, who entered the race before Graham’s death.
Andrews has raised more than $8 million for her campaign and urged South Carolinians to put politics aside and remember Graham’s public service.
Graham leaves behind a political legacy
Graham served more than two decades in the U.S. Senate, becoming one of the chamber’s most influential Republicans through his seniority and committee leadership.
His death leaves a significant void in South Carolina Republican leadership in Washington.
Read also | Who could replace Lindsey Graham? Here’s who’s in contention
