Darline Graham Nordone Appointed to Senate Following Lindsey Graham’s Passing

Following the passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Republican senators supported the temporary appointment of his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to South Carolina’s Senate seat. Sen. Roger Marshall expressed confidence in her ability, saying she would uphold the same values as her brother.

Marshall noted, “She’ll intuitively know how he would vote on particular issues, even if she doesn’t know as much about it as he would have.” He praised her as a strong conservative voice for South Carolina.

Two days after Graham died from aortic dissection, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Nordone to serve the rest of his term, ending Jan. 3. “The country needs to continue. The Senate needs to do its work,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, supporting Nordone’s selection by McMaster.

President Donald Trump, an ally of McMaster, also endorsed Nordone as Graham’s replacement, a move aligned with South Carolina law. With Trump’s endorsement, McMaster officially appointed her.

Sen. John Hoeven remarked on the decision, noting Nordone was significant in Graham’s life. After their parents passed away, Graham, at 22, became Nordone’s guardian when she was 13. He also adopted her to provide military benefits and urged her to complete her education.

Nordone’s appointment restored the Republican majority in the Senate to 53 seats.

GOP senators often recalled Graham’s character, emphasizing his ability to form friendships. “Lindsey did so many good things for so many people,” said Cramer. Marshall considered Lindsey a close friend, highlighting his welcoming nature.

The period for special primary election filing starts on July 21, with the primary on Aug. 11. Nordone hasn’t stated intentions for a full six-year term, but Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., are preparing campaigns.

If necessary, a runoff will occur two weeks post-primary on Aug. 25, with two months for general election campaigning until Nov. 3.