Lindsey Graham's sister to fill his Senate seat after Trump's recommendation

Draline Graham Nordone will fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat held by her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, serving until January 2027. President Donald Trump advocated for her interim appointment, recommending her to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

Trump announced his recommendation on his Truth Social platform, calling Nordone "the wonderful sister of Lindsey Graham" and suggesting her appointment would be a "fantastic tribute" to the senator, whom he claimed she was very close to. The death of Senator Graham, who passed away at 71 due to an aortic tear, has prompted Republicans to quickly find a replacement for one of their influential members ahead of the November midterm elections.

South Carolina law dictates that the governor appoints a temporary successor when a federal Senate seat becomes vacant. This interim appointee will serve until a special election is held to determine the Republican candidate for the upcoming legislative elections. Special Republican primaries are scheduled for August to select Nordone for the full six-year term.

Nordone, Graham's only sister, shared a close bond with him. They had previously spoken to media about how Graham supported her after their mother's death from lymphoma. Both siblings were orphaned 15 months later when their father died, leaving Graham, then 21, to care for 12-year-old Nordone.

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I recommended to Governor Henry McMaster that Darline, the wonderful sister of Lindsey Graham, be appointed to serve as interim senator for the great state of South Carolina. It would be a fantastic tribute to Lindsey, who loved her very much!