Darline Graham Nordone’s Appointment as Interim U.S. Senator

Darline Graham Nordone has officially taken office as the interim U.S. Senator for South Carolina. Chad Pergram, Chief Congressional Correspondent for Fox News, covered the event and discussed both the impending special primary and the historical aspects of her appointment.

President Donald Trump has publicly supported Graham Nordone, encouraging her to run in the upcoming special Republican primary. His endorsement appeared in a Truth Social post shortly after South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to take over her late brother’s position. Nordone will hold the office until the new Congress meets in January. Competition for the full term is set for the August 11 special primary.

Trump praised Nordone in his endorsement message, stating she is an exceptional individual with strong patriotic values. He encouraged her to participate in the special Republican primary scheduled for August 11, 2026, asserting that her candidacy would honor her brother Lindsey’s legacy. According to Trump, Nordone has consistently succeeded in life, has his full support, and comes from a notable family.

The appointment of Nordone is historic, marking her as the first female senator from South Carolina and the first sister ever placed in the Senate. Though serving temporarily, Nordone has shown interest in seeking a full term. Sources informed the Associated Press that discussions about her running have started.

On Monday, Governor McMaster appointed Nordone, and she took the oath on Tuesday. The South Carolina State House hosted a news conference where she and Senator Tim Scott officially announced her appointment to succeed her brother Lindsey Graham.

The special primary filing period spans from July 21 to July 28, with the primary election fixed for August 11. Several prominent politicians such as Representatives Russell Fry, Nancy Mace, and Ralph Norman, alongside Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, are also considering entering the race, according to the AP.

Reporters Alex Miller and Greg Norman-Diamond contributed to this Fox News piece. Alec Schemmel, a Politics Reporter, originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, now reports from the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area.