South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Donald Trump’s recommendation to temporarily hold Lindsey Graham’s seat in Washington. The appointment follows the senator’s unexpected death over the weekend at age 71. McMaster announced the temporary appointment Monday at the Statehouse. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed the new senator will take the oath of office on Tuesday afternoon.
Darline Graham Nordone will temporarily serve after Lindsey Graham’s death
Darline Graham Nordone accepted the appointment to serve the remaining months of her brother’s current term, which expires in January. Her appointment makes history as no woman has previously represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
Nordone accepted the duty swiftly. “It is such an honour,” she said, flanked by tearful campaign staff and advisers. “Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him.”
The siblings shared an exceptionally close bond. Graham raised Nordone after their parents died young, eventually becoming her legal guardian. She remained a fixture throughout his political life, giving speeches and featuring in campaign ads.
Now Trump has recommended her, as touted in a Truth Social post. “I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!
Nordone addressed the late senator during the announcement. “To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words,” she said. “But I’m going to do this. I got it.” McMaster praised her immediate willingness to serve. He later informed President Trump, who endorsed the choice as “a great idea,” the governor said (via Associated Press).
Professionally, Nordone has worked as an optician and served at state agencies, including the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and the Department of Employment and Workforce. She holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counselling and graduated from the College of Charleston. She resides in Lexington.
Moreover, Graham’s death has triggered a rapid election timeline under South Carolina law. A one-week filing period opens July 21, the second Tuesday after a candidate’s death. A special primary follows on August 11, with any runoff set for August 25. The eventual Republican nominee gets just over two months to campaign before the November 3 general election.
