Darline Graham Nordone has been appointed to serve out the remainder of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s term, which is set to conclude in January. The appointment follows the sudden death of the 71-year-old senator on July 11. According to the late senator’s office, the preliminary diagnosis for his passing was a rupture of his aorta resulting from the hardening of his arteries.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced that he contacted Graham Nordone on July 12 to request that she fill the vacancy, and she accepted the position. Reflecting on the decision, Governor McMaster stated that he was humbled by her quickness to recognize the duty to serve. He further noted that he consulted with President Donald Trump, who agreed that the appointment was a great idea.
The governor’s announcement came just hours after President Trump publicly recommended the appointment via a Truth Social post, where he described the selection of Graham’s sister as a fabulous tribute to the late senator who loved her dearly.
During a press conference held on July 13, Graham Nordone addressed her new role, emphasizing the deep bond she shared with her brother. She remarked that Lindsey had always been there for her and that she would be there for him, adding that it is a privilege to finish some of his important work. While Graham Nordone currently works in a career helping individuals with disabilities find employment and possesses no prior political experience, her appointment has garnered support from leadership, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who told CNN that the choice would make a lot of sense.
The siblings shared a profound connection, largely forged by the loss of both parents during their youth. Their mother, Millie, died of Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1976 when Graham was 20 and his sister was 11. Their father, Florence James Graham, passed away from a heart attack 15 months later. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Graham Nordone told The New York Times that her brother acted as her guardian, describing him as a brother, father, and mother rolled into one. She recalled how he dedicated his time to raising her while balancing his own education.
The political future of the seat remains active as South Carolina prepares for a special primary election on August 11. Graham had been seeking a fifth term in the Senate and had recently defeated several primary challengers in June, including wealthy businessman Mark Lynch. He was expected to face the Democratic nominee, pediatrician Annie Andrews, in the November general election.
Under South Carolina law, candidates interested in running for the seat have a one-week window starting July 21 to file for the special primary. Potential contenders mentioned for the nomination include Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, outgoing U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, Representative Russell Fry, former Representative Trey Gowdy, and Representative William Timmons.
