Who is Darline Graham Nordone, the choice to fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat?
Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Lindsey Graham, picked to fulfill remainder of his US Senate term
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has named Darline Graham Nordone as her late brother Lindsey Graham’s temporary replacement in the U.S. Senate.
WASHINGTON - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister Darline Graham Nordone to finish his Senate term, which ends in January.
What they're saying:
"I want to thank the governor for selecting me to serve the remainder of Lindsay's term. It is such an honor. Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him," Nordone said Monday, adding, "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 and the United States."
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. (Credit: Grant Baldwin/Getty Images)
The governor’s appointment for the vacant seat comes just two days following Graham’s death.
Support for Nordone prompted social media users to express renewed curiosity about the late senator's sister.
Who is Darline Graham Nordone?
Big picture view:
Graham took legal guardianship of Nordone when he was 22, and she was 13, after both of their parents died within 15 months of each other.
They were very close, and she was by his side as he filed reelection paperwork earlier this year, along with her children and grandchildren.
Through the years, Nordone, 62, has been active in supporting Graham's political ambitions, attending his political and official events.
When a tabloid once asked Graham who would serve as his first lady should he win the presidency, he jokingly – or half-jokingly – said that his sister could fill the role.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, embraces his sister Darline Graham Nordone. (Credit: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Nordone went on to become a mother of two who worked to help people with disabilities find jobs, according to the New York Times. Graham took particular pride in her success.
"Of all the things that have happened in my life, her turning out so well is the highlight of it by far," he told C-SPAN in 2015.
Trump said Monday he’s recommended that McMaster appoint Graham’s sister as his temporary replacement in the Senate.
"I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham's wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!"
Nordone set to be sworn in Wednesday
What's next:
The interim senator is set to be sworn in on Wednesday.
Nordone will be able to serve until at least Jan. 3, when a new Congress convenes.
A special Republican primary election will also be held on Aug. 11 to determine who will replace Graham on the ballot. The candidate who wins in November will secure a full six-year term.
Lindsey Graham dies
The backstory:
Sen. Graham died Saturday at the age of 71.
Graham's office released a statement early Sunday morning saying he died following a "brief and sudden" illness.
RELATED: US Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71
According to Graham's office, preliminary findings showed he died of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
"The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death," his office said.
Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 after first being elected in 2002 and was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary last month.
The Source: This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press, CBS News and the New York Times contributed.