Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C., walks to the stage before his presidential announcement Monday, June 1, 2015, in Central, SC.
Rainier Ehrhardt AP
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has tapped Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, to fill her brother’s Senate seat for the rest of the year.
McMaster, a Republican, made the announcement Monday afternoon at a press conference at the South Carolina statehouse where he was celebrating Graham’s life and service.
Commenting briefly on the event, Graham Nordone said his brother “gave his life for this country.”
“It is a great honor to complete one of his most important projects, and I pledge to work hard over the next few months to support the president and advance my brother’s efforts on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina,” she said. Graham Nordone’s term will end on Jan. 3.
Graham, 71, died suddenly on Saturday, leaving the seat vacant at the end of his term. His death was the result of a ruptured aorta due to cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary results from the District of Columbia medical examiner and released by Graham’s office.
Graham Nordone’s nomination came hours after President Donald Trump recommended him for the job.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as Senator pro tempore from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a wonderful tribute to Lindsey, who loved her so much!” Trump posted on Truth Social Monday morning.
In a post to X later Monday morning, Sen. Tim Scott, RS.C., also signed in with his support for Graham Nordone.
“Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would be an excellent choice to provide a reminder of the senate term. After speaking with Darline, no one better understands Lindsey’s love for family, our country and our country,” wrote Scott.
Graham Nordone is expected to be sworn in to the Senate on Wednesday, Fox News first reported and MS NOW confirmed, citing a familiar source.
Graham has been an influential figure in the Senate for more than two decades and is a close ally of Trump. His death could complicate the GOP’s priorities in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority, making the key to interim leadership appointments in the chamber and the White House.
At the time of his death, Graham was seeking another six-year term, and a field full of potential candidates appears in the state’s constitutional special election on August 11. The winner of that special primary will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter labeled the race a “Solid R.”
A majority of South Carolina’s House delegates, including only one Democrat, have indicated their interest. Attorneys Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, both of whom launched failed gubernatorial bids earlier this year, have said they may run. Rep. William Timmons, in a post on X Sunday, has not decided to try for the Senate seat. And Reps. Russell Fry and Joe Wilson have also been floated as possible candidates.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who received Trump’s endorsement in her unsuccessful bid for governor, could enter the race.
And McMaster, who was elected governor at the end of this year, has also been considered a possible replacement for Graham in the Senate for a long time.
In an interview Sunday with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump praised the South Carolina governor.
“Henry has been a great governor, you know now he’s out, but he’s going to do the right thing,” Trump said. “I think Henry will be good.”
Correction: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has a news conference scheduled for 4 pm ET Monday. The earlier version did not mention the date correctly.
