Darline Graham Nordone speaks during a press conference outside the Governor’s South Carolina State House office on July 13, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Grant Baldwin | Getty Images
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has tapped Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, to fill her brother’s Senate seat through the rest of the year.
McMaster, a Republican, made the announcement Monday afternoon at a press conference at the South Carolina statehouse in which he reflected on Graham’s life and service.
In brief remarks at the event, Graham Nordone said her brother “dedicated his life to this country.”
“It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina,” she said. Graham Nordone’s term will end on Jan. 3.
Graham, 71, died unexpectedly on Saturday, leaving an opening for the seat through the end of his term. His death was the result of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the medical examiner of the District of Columbia and released by Graham’s office.
Graham Nordone’s appointment came hours after President Donald Trump recommended her for the job.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday morning.
In a post to X later Monday morning, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., also logged his support for Graham Nordone.
“Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would be a fantastic pick to serve out the reminder of the senate term. After speaking with Darline, there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state, and our country,” Scott wrote.
Graham Nordone is expected to be sworn into the Senate on Wednesday, Fox News first reported and MS NOW confirmed, citing a source familiar.
Graham was an influential figure in the Senate for more than two decades and a key Trump ally. His death could complicate GOP priorities in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority, making an interim appointment key for leaders in the chamber and the White House.
At the time of his death, Graham was seeking another six-year term, and a crowded field of potential candidates is emerging for a special primary election that according to a state law would be held Aug. 11. The winner of that special primary would face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election this November.
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter has labeled the race “Solid R.”
Much of South Carolina’s House delegation, which includes only one Democrat, has signaled their interest. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, both of whom launched failed gubernatorial bids earlier this year, have said they could run. Rep. William Timmons, in a post to X on Sunday, didn’t rule out a try at the Senate seat. And Reps. Russell Fry and Joe Wilson have also been floated as potential candidates.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who earned Trump’s endorsement in her own failed bid for governor, could enter the fray.
And McMaster, who is termed out as governor at the end of this year, has also been floated as a potential long-term replacement for Graham in the Senate.
In an interview on Sunday with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump heaped praise on the South Carolina governor.
“Henry’s been a great governor, you know now he’s termed out, but he’s going to do the right thing,” Trump said. “I think Henry will be fantastic.”
Correction: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has a news conference scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Monday. An earlier version misstated the day.