South Carolina Governor Appoints Lindsey Graham’s Sister to Complete Senate Term
South Carolina governor selects Darline Graham – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster revealed his decision to appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, to take over the Senate seat following her brother’s unexpected passing over the weekend. The announcement came during a Monday press conference, where Nordone expressed her commitment to continuing her brother’s legislative work. “It is such a privilege to carry forward some of his important initiatives,” she said, emphasizing her dedication to supporting the president and advancing the interests of South Carolina and the nation.
“To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words. But I’m going to do this. I got it.”
Under state statutes, McMaster has the authority to name a temporary replacement for the vacant seat. However, since Graham was scheduled for reelection this year, his death will trigger a special primary election to determine his successor, with the vote set for August 11. The governor stated he reached out to Nordone shortly after the tragedy, noting her willingness to step into the role. “I was humbled by your readiness to fulfill the duty you felt was necessary,” he remarked during the event.
President Donald Trump, a longstanding ally of Graham, endorsed the appointment after being consulted. “He thought it was a great idea,” McMaster shared, highlighting Trump’s approval. Trump further praised the move, calling it “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who spoke with both Nordone and McMaster prior to the announcement, endorsed the decision, expressing confidence in her support among voters.
Growing Up Together
Before entering politics, Nordone, 62, has served as a commissioner for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and has spent years advocating for individuals with disabilities. Her relationship with Lindsey Graham dates back to their childhood, when they shared a single room behind the family’s Sanitary Cafe—a bar, pool hall, and liquor store in Central, South Carolina. Their parents ran the business, and even after their deaths within 15 months of each other, Graham became Darline’s legal guardian, allowing her to access his military benefits.
“I knew he was doing what he could to take care of me, and it was best for us.”
During a 2015 interview, Darline reflected on their bond, noting that her brother had always been a caregiver. “Even when my parents were alive, they worked long, hard hours, so he was there to support me,” she recalled. In the same year, when asked who would serve as his first lady, Graham humorously suggested his sister as a possible option.
Political Dynamics and Future Prospects
McMaster, who is term-limited and cannot run for reelection this year, has now set the stage for a new chapter in South Carolina politics. The governor’s choice also comes amid Trump’s recent involvement in the state’s gubernatorial race. Earlier in the primary, Trump endorsed McMaster’s running mate, Pamela Evette, but later supported both Evette and the state’s attorney general, Alan Wilson, in a dual endorsement. Evette ultimately lost a runoff to Wilson, though she was considered for Graham’s Senate seat.
With the special primary fast approaching, Thune expressed optimism about Nordone’s potential. “Lindsey’s legacy will continue through Darline, and I look forward to welcoming her soon,” he tweeted after the announcement. As the state prepares for the August 11 election, the nation watches how this unexpected succession will shape the political landscape in the Carolinas.
