South Carolina governor selects Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, to finish his Senate term
South Carolina Governor Selects Darline Graham Nordone for Senate Seat
South Carolina governor selects Darline Graham Nordone to complete the Senate term of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. The appointment was announced Monday afternoon after the senator’s unexpected death over the weekend. Nordone, 62, expressed her honor at stepping into the role during a press conference with Governor Henry McMaster.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him,” Nordone said. “It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.”
Under state law, the governor can appoint a temporary replacement for an empty congressional seat. Since Graham’s term was up for reelection this year, his passing triggers a special primary election scheduled for August 11 to determine who will appear on the November ballot.
“I was humbled by your quickness to see the duty that you had to serve,” McMaster told Nordone as he introduced her to the media. He added that he called President Donald Trump, a close ally of Graham, after their conversation “and he thought it was a great idea.”
Trump publicly endorsed the selection on Monday, calling Nordone “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly.” The president’s backing carries significant weight given his long-standing relationship with the Graham family and his influence within the Republican Party.
Political Support and Future Prospects
Senate Majority Leader John Thune voiced approval of McMaster’s decision, noting he had spoken with both Nordone and the governor on Sunday. Thune told CNN’s Dana Bash that while he would let the governor make the formal announcement, he believed the choice made considerable sense and would likely garner substantial backing.
“Lindsey’s legacy will continue through Darline, and I look forward to welcoming her soon,” Thune said on X following the news conference.
Nordone brings extensive public service experience to the role despite never having held elected office previously. She currently serves as a commissioner for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and has dedicated much of her career to supporting individuals with disabilities. Her educational background includes a degree from the College of Charleston, and she resides in Lexington, South Carolina.
A Lifelong Bond
The Graham siblings shared an exceptionally close relationship throughout their lives. In a 2015 interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Nordone recalled how Lindsey served as a caregiver even during their childhood when their parents worked long hours operating a small business. The siblings grew up in a single room behind the Sanitary Cafe—a bar, pool hall, and liquor store run by their parents in Central, South Carolina.
“Even when my parents were alive, they worked really long, hard hours running a small business. So even then, he was a caregiver to me,” she explained.
Tragedy struck when their parents died within fifteen months of each other, leaving Darline orphaned at age thirteen in 1976. Graham, who became the first member of his family to attend college and joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, assumed legal guardianship of his younger sister. This arrangement allowed Darline to access military benefits through her brother’s service.
“I knew he was doing what he could to take care of me, and it was best for us,” Nordone reflected in 2015. “Being adopted by her brother ‘was a little odd’ at first, but she came to understand ‘it makes perfect sense.'” She added: “To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words. But I’m going to do this. I got it.”
Graham’s relationship with his sister was so significant that when reporters asked the unmarried senator in 2015 who would serve as his first lady, he replied, “Well, I’ve got a sister. She could play that role if necessary.” The political landscape in South Carolina continues to evolve, with McMaster being term-limited and unable to seek reelection this year.
