McMaster Appoints Lindsey Graham’s Sister To Serve In U.S. Senate

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of his Senate term through January 2027 following the senator’s sudden death.

McMaster announced the appointment during a Monday press conference, calling it a fitting tribute to Graham’s decades of service to South Carolina and the nation. He praised Nordone’s record of public service and said she possesses the character and integrity needed to represent the state in the Senate.

President Trump strongly supported the selection, saying appointing Graham’s sister would honor the senator’s legacy while ensuring South Carolina continues to have strong conservative representation in Washington. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also backed the appointment.

Nordone has served for years on the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and has worked extensively in disability employment services. Although she has largely stayed out of electoral politics, she previously introduced her brother during his 2015 presidential campaign launch and has remained active in public service.

Speaking after being named to the Senate, Nordone said she was deeply honored by the appointment and pledged to continue the work her brother began. She said she hopes to carry forward his commitment to South Carolina, support President Trump’s agenda, and serve the people of the state with the same dedication Lindsey Graham demonstrated throughout his career.

The appointment is temporary and will last until January 2027. South Carolina Republicans will hold a special primary on Aug. 11 to choose the party’s nominee for the November election, which will determine who completes the next full Senate term. Several Republicans, including Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Russell Fry, and Rep. Ralph Norman, are expected to compete for the nomination.

Lindsey Graham died Saturday at age 71 from an aortic dissection caused by underlying cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner. His death prompted tributes from President Trump, members of Congress, and world leaders who praised his decades of public service and leadership on national security and foreign policy.