Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat Will Be Filled by His Sister

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced late Monday that he has appointed a temporary replacement for the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The appointee is Graham's sister, Darlene Graham Nordone.

Nordone will represent the Republican Party on behalf of South Carolina and will serve the remainder of the current Senate term, which expires in January 2027. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed that her official swearing-in ceremony will take place next Tuesday.

Nordone will become the first woman ever to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. "It is a tremendous honor," she said following her appointment. "Lindsey was always there for me. Now I'll be there for him."

The late senator, who passed away on Saturday night, never married and had no children. Throughout his political career, his sister remained a close and constant presence by his side. Governor McMaster said he approached her about the appointment in the early hours of Sunday morning, shortly after the tragedy. He also revealed that he informed President Donald Trump of his decision, and that the president "thought it was a great idea" and later issued an official statement endorsing Nordone's appointment.

Meanwhile, South Carolina is preparing for a special election next month to select the Republican nominee who will compete in the general election for Graham's Senate seat.