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Lindsey Graham's sister sworn in as senator to fill his seat
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States /Elections & Politics

Lindsey Graham's sister sworn in as senator to fill his seat

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • Darline Graham, sister of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, was sworn in to fill his vacant seat.
  • She was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to serve the remainder of her brother's term.
  • A special election will be held next month to determine the nominee for the general election for the seat.

Darline Graham, the sister of the late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, was sworn in on Tuesday to fill the seat left vacant by her brother's unexpected death just three days prior. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham on Monday to serve the remaining months of Lindsey Graham's current term.

And now, I will be there for him

โ€” Darline GrahamExpressing her commitment to serve in honor of her late brother.

Graham, who will be the state's first female senator, has no prior public office experience. Her professional background includes work as an optician and at various state agencies, such as the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and the Department of Employment and Workforce. She will be known in the Senate as Darline Graham, her legal name, despite being married to Larry Nordone.

Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly on Saturday from an aortic dissection, was a close ally of President Donald Trump and held significant positions, including chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was slated to become the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was seeking a fifth term in office.

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

โ€” Darline GrahamHer emotional statement upon her brother's death and her acceptance of the Senate seat.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed confidence that Darline Graham would "carry on Lindsey's tireless service to South Carolina." Graham herself stated, "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 noted that Graham quickly accepted the duty to serve after he spoke with her early Sunday morning.

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

โ€” Henry McMasterGovernor McMaster's reaction to Darline Graham's immediate acceptance of the appointment.

President Trump also endorsed the appointment, calling it a "great idea." South Carolina law dictates that a special primary election filing period begins on the second Tuesday after a candidate's death, with a special election to follow next month to select a new Republican nominee for the general election.

thought it was a great idea

โ€” Donald TrumpPresident Trump's endorsement of Darline Graham's appointment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by PBS NewsHour in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.