Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), will finish out Graham’s term, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday.
Why it matters: Nordone will serve until Jan. 3, 2027, unless she chooses to run and wins the open Senate seat in November.
- Lindsey was running for re-election at the time of his death, and South Carolina will hold a special election next month to determine who replaces him as the Republican candidate on the ballot.
What they’re saying: “Today, under the law, it’s my duty to and honor to name someone to serve in the place of … this extraordinary man,” McMaster told reporters at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday.
- “Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed. It’s my honor to ask his little sister, Darline Graham, to finish his work for him now.”
Zoom in: Nordone told reporters that “Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him.”
- “To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words, but I’m going to do this. I got it.”
Catch up quick: Lindsey considered Nordone to be his closest family member after both their parents died within 15 months of one another in the 1970s.
- Lindsey never married nor had any children, although he did adopt Darline after joining the military so she could access his military benefits.
- She has appeared by his side in numerous campaign ads and speaking engagements.
Zoom out: Nordone has never held public office and previously worked to help people with disabilities find jobs.
- She is the mother of two.
What we’re watching: South Carolina Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman are reportedly planning to run for Graham’s seat.
- Norman could announce as early as Tuesday, according to NOTUS.
- Others have passed on running for the seat. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) confirmed in a post on X that he spoke to Trump on Sunday and plans to stay in the House “to keep [Trump’s] two-vote majority for the American people!!!”
Go deeper: Trump wants Graham’s sister as Senate replacement — not Mace
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information throughout.
