President Donald Trump recommended Monday that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s younger sister, to temporarily fill her brother’s vacant U.S. Senate seat.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
McMaster to announce appointment
McMaster is scheduled to announce his selection during a 4 p.m. EDT press conference Monday. The governor had not publicly named an appointee as of publication.
Under South Carolina law, the governor may temporarily fill a U.S. Senate vacancy caused by death, resignation, or another circumstance.
The appointee would serve through Jan. 3, 2027, when Graham’s current term expires. Trump recommended Nordone for the temporary appointment but did not call for her to seek a full Senate term.
Graham died Saturday evening at age 71, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Preliminary findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia indicated that Graham died from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The findings remain preliminary.
Graham helped raise his younger sister
Graham and Nordone shared a close relationship throughout his life and political career.
After their parents died while the siblings were young, Graham took responsibility for raising Nordone and later adopted her.
Nordone appeared alongside Graham during major moments in his career, including his 2015 presidential campaign and his reelection filing earlier this year.
Special election will determine successor
Voters in South Carolina’s special Republican primary will determine who replaces Graham as the GOP nominee for the Nov. 3 general election.
The one-week filing period will begin July 21 and close July 28. The special primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, followed by a runoff, if necessary, on Aug. 25.
McMaster’s appointment would restore South Carolina’s full Senate representation while voters determine who will represent the state during the next term.
Provided by Dallas Express
