Late Senator Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to fill his seat

Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, has been appointed to temporarily fill his Senate seat following support from President Donald Trump and state leaders, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has announced.

He said it was an honour to ask his little sister, Darlene Graham, to finish Graham’s work for him now, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

McMaster, a longtime Trump ally, made the appointment less than 48 hours after Graham's sudden death from an aortic dissection.

The decision came after Trump publicly endorsed Graham's sister for the role earlier in the day.

"This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly," Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing Nordone as his late ally's "wonderful sister."

Several other Republican figures had reportedly been considered for the position, including Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette, former Congressman Trey Gowdy and former Senator Jim DeMint, according to Fox News Digital sources.

Nordone will serve until January 3, while voters decide in November who will hold the seat for the next six-year term.

It remains unclear whether the 62-year-old plans to seek a full term herself. Meanwhile, competition is already emerging ahead of the August 11 special election for the Republican nomination, with Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman both reportedly considering campaigns.

Graham's death slightly reduced the Republican majority in the Senate and increased pressure on party leaders to maintain every available GOP vote, particularly as Senator Mitch McConnell continues treatment following a fall and pneumonia.

Nordone, who has largely stayed out of public life, is married to Larry Nordone and is the mother of two daughters. She currently serves as a commissioner with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, according to the agency's 2026-27 budget documents. The commission provides services aimed at helping blind and visually impaired residents achieve employment, independence and self-sufficiency.

She has previously spoken about her close relationship with her brother, who helped raise her after their mother's death when she was 11 years old.

Nordone has never before held elected office and is set to become South Carolina's first female US senator.

Following Trump's endorsement, Senator Tim Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, also voiced support for her appointment.

Candidates seeking the seat can begin filing on July 21. The special primary election is scheduled for August 11, with a runoff on August 25 if needed, leaving nominees roughly two months to campaign before the November 3 general election.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov