Darline Graham Appointed to U.S. Senate
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to temporarily represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
McMaster announced the appointment during a July 13 press conference, fulfilling his constitutional duty to fill the Senate vacancy created by Graham’s death on July 11.
“Lindsey Graham took care of his little sister for many years,” McMaster said. “It is my honor to ask Darline Graham Nordone to continue his work and serve the people of South Carolina.”
Darline Graham Nordone to Serve Until January 2027
Nordone will hold the Senate seat until January 2027, when the winner of South Carolina’s upcoming special election officially assumes office.
The late Sen. Lindsey Graham had represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since January 2003 and had secured the Republican nomination in the June 9 primary while seeking another term. Following his passing, state law requires a special election to determine the Republican nominee.
A Republican special primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with a runoff election on Aug. 25 if no candidate receives a majority. The Republican nominee will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the Nov. 3 general election.
Candidate filing for the special primary opens on July 21 and remains open for one week.
A Lifelong Bond With Lindsey Graham
Darline Graham Nordone shared a deeply personal relationship with her brother. After both of their parents died within 15 months of one another while Lindsey Graham was attending college, he stepped in to help raise his younger sister and later legally adopted her.
Speaking after her appointment, Nordone reflected on that lifelong bond.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him,” she said, while thanking Gov. McMaster for entrusting her with the responsibility of completing the remainder of her brother’s Senate term.
Career in Public Service
A resident of Lexington, South Carolina, Nordone brings decades of experience in public service and workforce development.
She began her professional career as a certified optician before serving in leadership positions with Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department.
For the past seven years, she has served as Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. She also serves on the South Carolina State Workforce Development Board and is the president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.
Trump and Tim Scott Back Appointment
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Nordone’s appointment on July 13, expressing support for her selection to temporarily represent South Carolina in the Senate.
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., also praised the decision, saying Nordone possesses a strong understanding of her brother’s commitment to family, the state and the nation.
“After speaking with Darline, there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state, and our country,” Scott wrote on X. “She will be a fantastic choice to complete his term.”
What’s Next?
With Nordone now serving as South Carolina’s temporary U.S. senator, attention shifts to the state’s special election process. Republican voters will select a new nominee in August, and the winner of the November general election will take office when Nordone’s temporary appointment concludes in January 2027.