Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to fill his U.S. Senate term

Darline Graham Nordone will serve as the temporary replacement for her late brother, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, in the Senate, filling the remaining months of his term. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced the appointment Monday, stating Nordone will serve until January, when Graham's current term was set to expire. Her swearing-in this week will mark a historic moment, as she becomes the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.

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It is such an honor. Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him.

Nordone expressed her deep honor and emotional connection to the role, stating, "To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words... But I’m going to do this. I got it." Graham, who died Saturday at age 71, never married or had children. Nordone was a constant presence throughout his political career, often appearing by his side at events and in campaign ads. Following the death of their parents at a young age, Graham became Nordone's legal guardian, and they maintained a close bond.

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To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words. But I’m going to do this. I got it.

Governor McMaster shared that he spoke with Nordone early Sunday morning after Graham's death and was moved by her immediate acceptance of the duty to serve. He also mentioned that President Donald Trump approved of the choice, having publicly announced his support for Nordone earlier that day. Nordone has a background in opticianry and has worked for various state agencies, including the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and the Department of Employment and Workforce. She is a graduate of the College of Charleston and holds a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling.

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I had wondered what you would say, and I was humbled by your quickness to see the duty that you had to serve.

A special election is scheduled for next month to determine the Republican nominee for Graham's seat in the upcoming general election. Graham had been seeking his fifth term in the Senate. The vacancy has already sparked a competitive scramble among ambitious conservatives in South Carolina, particularly as the state's Republican party recently concluded a contentious primary contest to select a nominee for governor, with McMaster concluding his second term.

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President Donald Trump “thought it was a great idea” when he later told him of his pick.