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🇺🇸 United States /Elections & Politics

Lindsey Graham's sister sworn in as U.S. Senator for South Carolina

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, was sworn in as a U.S. senator for South Carolina.
  • She will serve out the remainder of her brother's term following his death.
  • Graham is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.

Darline Graham has officially taken her seat in the U.S. Senate, sworn in to complete the term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly. The oath of office was administered on the Senate floor, with numerous senators from both parties in attendance to show their support.

Lindsey has always been there for me. And now I will be there for him.

— Darline GrahamDarline Graham spoke about her close relationship with her late brother.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham to the position on Monday, following encouragement from President Trump and Senator Tim Scott. During the announcement, McMaster spoke emotionally about Lindsey Graham's dedication to his sister, stating it was an honor to have her finish his work. Darline Graham, 62, expressed her privilege in continuing her brother's efforts and pledged to work diligently to support the president and advance her brother's agenda for South Carolina and the nation.

This appointment marks a historic moment, as Darline Graham becomes the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Her brother, a four-term senator, had no immediate family, and she was his legal guardian after their parents died when he was in his early twenties. The late senator's term concludes in early January, necessitating a special primary election on August 11 to determine the Republican candidate for the subsequent election.

Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed, calling it an honor to ask his little sister Darline Graham to finish his work for him now.

— Henry McMasterSouth Carolina Governor Henry McMaster explained his decision to appoint Darline Graham.

While Darline Graham, who has a background in disabilities services and most recently chaired the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, lacks prior elected office experience, she expressed confidence in her ability to serve, citing the support of her brother's staff. She stated her belief that this is what Lindsey Graham would have wanted and that she plans to honor his legacy through her service.

I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted. And I plan to honor him in this way.

— Darline GrahamDarline Graham expressed her belief that her Senate service fulfills her brother's wishes.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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