Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to his Senate seat
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Darline Graham Nordone speaks during a press conference on July 13, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Baldwin/Getty Images)
Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), will finish out Graham's term, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday.
Why it matters: Nordone will serve until Jan. 3, 2027, unless she chooses to run and wins the open Senate seat in November.
- Lindsey was running for re-election at the time of his death, and South Carolina will hold a special election next month to determine who replaces him as the Republican candidate on the ballot.
What they're saying: "Today, under the law, it's my duty to and honor to name someone to serve in the place of ... this extraordinary man," McMaster told reporters at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday.
- "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."
- Nordone was also President Trump's preferred pick. Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday that appointing her "would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly."
Zoom in: Nordone told reporters that "Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him."
- "To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words, but I'm going to do this. I got it."
Catch up quick: Lindsey considered Nordone to be his closest family member after both their parents died within 15 months of one another in the 1970s.
- Lindsey never married nor had any children, although he did adopt Darline after joining the military so she could access his military benefits.
- She has appeared by his side in numerous campaign ads and speaking engagements.
Zoom out: Nordone has never held public office and previously worked to help people with disabilities find jobs.
- She is the mother of two.
What we're watching: South Carolina Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman are reportedly planning to run for Graham's seat.
- Norman could announce as early as Tuesday, according to NOTUS.
- Others have passed on running for the seat. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) confirmed in a post on X that he spoke to Trump on Sunday and plans to stay in the House "to keep [Trump's] two-vote majority for the American people!!!"
Go deeper: Trump wants Graham's sister as Senate replacement — not Mace
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information throughout.
