Get you up to speed: Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, appointed to serve out his Senate term
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to fill the Senate vacancy left by her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died on Saturday. Graham Nordone will serve until at least January 3, when a new Congress convenes, and will be sworn in Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Darline Graham Nordone will be sworn in as Senator on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. ET, filling the vacancy until at least January 3. A special Republican primary election is scheduled for August 11 to select a candidate for the full six-year term.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone to fill her brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, stating, “It’s my honour to ask his little sister Darline Graham to finish his work for him now.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed that Graham Nordone will be sworn in on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. ET, while a special Republican primary election is scheduled for August 11 to select a candidate for the upcoming November election for a full six-year term.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how Graham Nordone plans to address the duties of her brother’s Senate term beyond the current appointment.
Darline Graham Nordone appointed to complete Lindsey Graham’s Senate term
Live from Washington — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline Graham Nordone to finish his Senate term, which ends in January.
“Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed. It’s my honor to ask his little sister Darline Graham to finish his work for him now,” McMaster said at an emotional news conference to announce to his appointment for the vacant seat left by Senator Graham’s death.
Graham Nordone will be able to serve until at least Jan. 3, when a new Congress convenes.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Graham Nordone will be sworn in Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. ET.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him,” Graham Nordone said, calling it a “privilege to get to finish some of his important work.”
President Trump, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and others had voiced their support for Graham Nordone.
McMaster said he broached the subject of Graham Nordone filling her brother’s seat shortly after his death, and that she quickly accepted.
Graham took legal guardianship of his sister when he was 22 and she was 13, after both of their parents died within 15 months of each other.
Graham was also running for reelection this fall, and a special Republican primary election will be held on Aug. 11 to determine who will replace him on the ballot. The candidate who wins in November will secure a full six-year term.
Graham died Saturday at the age of 71, and a medical examiner’s preliminary findings suggested the cause was aortic dissection, which involves a tear in the main artery from the heart.
Through the years, Graham Nordone has been active in supporting Graham’s political ambitions, attending his political and official events.
On Monday morning, Mr. Trump threw his endorsement behind Graham’s younger sister to serve the rest of his term.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
Scott told “WTX Mornings” that Graham Nordone “would be a wonderful placeholder.” Scott has spoken to Graham Nordone multiple times over the past 24 hours, a source familiar with the talks told WTX US News. Scott was on hand for the announcement later Monday.