Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late US Senator Lindsey Graham, has been officially appointed to fill his vacant seat in the United States Senate. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced the decision on Monday, following Senator Graham's death from an aortic tear on Saturday, 11 July 2026, at the age of 71.
Governor McMaster introduced Nordone as Graham's "darling little sister" and stated that she would "finish his work for him now." Nordone expressed her honour at the appointment, remarking, "Lindsey has always been there for me and now I will be there for him." She added that she believed this is "what Lindsey would have wanted" and she plans to honour him in this way.
The decision to appoint Nordone comes after various officials, including former President Donald Trump, publicly advocated for her selection as a tribute to the long-serving senator. Graham, who never married and had no children, maintained a notably close relationship with his sister throughout his life and political career. He legally adopted her after their parents passed away within 15 months of each other when Graham was 22 and Nordone was 13.
Nordone, a mother of two who works assisting individuals with disabilities in finding employment, has been a consistent presence at her brother's side. Graham had previously stated that he adopted her to ensure she would receive his military benefits should anything happen to him. Her appointment will see her serve the remainder of Senator Graham's current term, which is scheduled to conclude in 2027.
Senator Graham had been seeking re-election in the upcoming November elections and had secured the Republican Party's nomination. Several other Republican candidates have already declared their intentions to run for the Senate seat, setting the stage for a contested election later this year to determine who will hold the position beyond 2027.