South Carolina appoints Graham's sister as interim senator

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat on Monday, July 13, 2026. Nordone, who has no prior political experience, will serve as a caretaker senator until the current term ends in January 2027, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.

The appointment follows the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at age 71 on Saturday, July 11, from an aortic dissection. Governor McMaster announced the decision at a news conference at the Statehouse in Columbia, standing beside Nordone. He described the selection as honoring the profound bond between the siblings, stating it was his honor to ask Graham’s little sister to finish his work.

Nordone accepted the appointment, saying it was a great honor and that her brother had always been there for her, and now she would be there for him. She is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, July 14.

The decision received significant national backing. Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the idea on his Truth Social platform hours before the official announcement, calling it a fabulous tribute to...