Darline Graham Nordone sworn in to finish brother Lindsey Graham's Senate term

Darline Graham was sworn in Tuesday afternoon to replace her older brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), three days after he died from a sudden illness later attributed to aortic dissection. She was sworn in to a standing ovation, with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the Senate president pro tempore, administering the oath, according to NBC News, which reported that her legal name since marriage is Darline Graham Nordone, though she will go by Darline Graham in the Senate.

It is the first known instance of a sibling being appointed to replace a deceased senator, the outlet added. Graham was appointed to the seat by Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday to fill the vacancy created by her brother's death. She is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. She has not previously held elected office or been a public figure, but is expected to be a reliable Republican vote.

Graham, who lives in Lexington, S.C., has served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2019, where she helped visually impaired people find employment opportunities. "Today, under the law, it is my duty and honor to name someone to serve in the place of this extraordinary man for the remainder of his term. It is my honor to ask his little sister, Darline, to finish his work," McMaster said in a statement.

Her appointment came after President Donald Trump recommended Darline to McMaster as an interim senator in a Truth Social post. "This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!" he wrote. Under Section 7-19-20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the governor is authorized to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate by appointment until a successor is elected.

"Lindsey worked harder than anyone to make our state, country, and world better. He loved his family and loved serving this state and the country. He dedicated his life to our country," said Darline Graham. "It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard every day over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother," she added.

Graham will serve until Jan. 3, 2027. As for the seat's long-term future, state law allows the South Carolina Republican Party to hold a special primary election to nominate a candidate to replace Graham on the ballot, given that he was the party's nominee for the 2026 U.S. Senate election. Filing for the special primary will be open from July 21 through July 28. The special primary will be held August 11, with a runoff, if necessary, on August 25.