Darline Graham Nordone Appointed to Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat

Senators from the GOP have supported the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to temporarily take his seat in the U.S. Senate. After Graham’s passing due to aortic dissection, Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Nordone to fill the term until Jan. 3. Sen. Roger Marshall expressed confidence in her ability to uphold the values championed by her brother, noting she would be a strong conservative voice for South Carolina.

President Donald Trump, close to Gov. McMaster, endorsed Nordone as Graham’s replacement, a decision McMaster followed by appointing her officially. South Carolina law permits such appointments. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., remarked on the need for the Senate to progress with its work, agreeing with the choice of Nordone.

“It’s amazing how life goes on,” Cramer stated. “The country needs to continue. The Senate needs to do its work.”

The relationship between Lindsey Graham and his sister is notable. After losing their parents within a year, Graham became Nordone’s legal guardian at the age of 22, when she was 13. He later adopted her, ensuring she benefited from his military service connections.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., highlighted the close bond they shared, noting that Graham was pivotal in Nordone’s life, emphasizing the story of Graham’s commitment to his sister’s future.

“Darline really was the light of his life,” Hoeven explained.

The restoration of the GOP’s 53-seat majority after Nordone’s appointment reinforces her role in maintaining the party’s strength in the Senate. Praise for Graham’s ability to forge friendships across party lines was a recurring theme among his peers. Many senators regarded Graham as a close friend, acknowledging his welcoming nature and hospitable spirit.

Looking ahead, a one-week filing period for a special primary election will start on July 21, with elections to follow on Aug. 11. Candidates like Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman have shown interest in running for the seat. If a runoff is necessary, it will occur on Aug. 25.