Could Lindsey Graham’s sister replace him in the Senate? Her emotional reaction after Trump’s endorsement | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump on Monday (July 13) endorsed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve as South Carolina’s senator pro tempore as Republicans prepare for a special election to fill the seat permanently.
Trump called on South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint Nordone to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which expires in January.
McMaster is expected to announce his decision later Monday.
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Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, to serve as South Carolina’s interim senator after Graham’s death.
In South Carolina, the governor appoints a senator pro tempore to serve out the remainder of the deceased senator’s term, which in Graham’s case is January.
The special election for Graham’s seat will begin with the filing period on July 21, followed by the primary on August 11, a potential runoff on August 25 and the general election on November 3.
With the unexpected death of Lindsey Graham, several prominent Republicans see an opportunity to secure one of the GOP’s safest seats in the South Carolina Senate in the upcoming special election.
Lindsey Graham raised Darline Graham Nordone after their parents died when they were young, and they maintained a close bond throughout his life and political career.
“I have recommended to Gov. Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as senator pro tempore from the Great State of South Carolina. That would be a wonderful tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The recommendation comes two days after Graham died at age 71 of a ruptured aorta caused by chronic heart disease, according to preliminary findings from the Washington medical examiner.
Trump suggests family tribute
Trump’s endorsement underscores the close bond between Graham and his sister.
After their parents died when they were young, Graham became his sister’s legal guardian and helped raise her. The siblings have remained close throughout his political career, and Nordone accompanied him when he sought re-election earlier this year.
Nordone said she is still processing the loss. “I’m actually kind of devastated right now,” she told The New York Post.
Provisional Appointment of Governor
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint an interim senator to serve until Graham’s term ends in January.
The appointment is separate from the special election process that determines who will serve the next full Senate term.
The one-week filing period for the Republican special primary begins July 21. A special primary is scheduled for Aug. 11 and a runoff, if necessary, on Aug. 25. The general election is set for November 3.
Republican candidates are emerging
While Trump recommended Nordone for the temporary appointment, several prominent Republicans are considering bids for a full Senate term.
Potential bidders include:
-Pamela Evette, the South Carolina governor who recently lost the Republican gubernatorial race but is reportedly being encouraged to enter the Senate race.
-Nancy Mace, a congresswoman from South Carolina who has indicated she is considering running in the special election, even though she has ruled herself out of the temporary appointment.
-Ralph Norman, another Republican congressman, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
-Russell Fry, a two-term congressman and close Trump ally, is seen as another potential contender.
-Former Congressman Trey Gowdy has also been mentioned in Republican circles as a possible candidate.
Read also | Lindsey Graham represented the arch of his party
A few names are self-excluded
Not every prominent Republican is expected to enter the race.
Rep. Joe Wilson said he intends to stay in the House because of the narrow Republican majority.
“My goal is to stay in the House and keep it a two-vote majority for the American people!!!” Wilson wrote after speaking with Trump.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also reportedly recused himself despite receiving inquiries about the vacancy, opting instead to remain in the Trump administration.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley also said she has no plans to seek a Senate seat.
Democrats see an opening
The vacancy has thrown uncertainty into South Carolina politics just months before the general election.
Although Republicans have dominated national elections for decades, Democrat Annie Andrews secured her party’s nomination before Graham’s death and enters the race with an established campaign infrastructure and millions of dollars already raised.
Read also | Who could replace Lindsey Graham? Here’s Who’s Contending
