SC governor appoints Darline Nordone, Graham's sister, as temporary Senate replacement

July 13 (UPI) -- On Monday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Darline Graham Nordone, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister, as the senator's temporary replacement in the Senate.

Nordone will be sworn in on Tuesday afternoon, becoming South Carolina's first female senator.

"Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him," Nordone said Monday at a press conference with McMaster. "It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States."

The appointment came soon after President Donald Trump floated the idea of Nordone serving as Graham's temporary successor.

In a post on Truth Social, the president called on McMaster to appoint her as the interim senator, filling a post held by her brother for nearly 25 years.

"This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!" Trump wrote.

Graham died suddenly Saturday night, days after his 71st birthday. The District of Columbia's medical examiner said Sunday he died of a heart issue -- an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

State law says McMaster can appoint someone to temporarily fill a vacant Senate seat. Graham, a Republican, was up for re-election, so Nordone will serve only until the end of this year.

Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman have each expressed interest in the Republican nomination. A special primary election will take place Aug. 11 to select a candidate.

Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002.

Copyright 2026 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 9:39 AM.