South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone to fill the United States Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at age 71 on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, will serve the remainder of his term until January 3, 2027.

The appointment, announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, comes with the backing of former President Donald Trump and ensures the Republican Party maintains its 53-seat majority in the 100-member Senate chamber.

Nordone pledged to work diligently over the coming months to support the president and continue her brother’s efforts on behalf of South Carolina and the United States. “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,” she said.

During his 2016 presidential campaign, Lindsey Graham had indicated that Nordone would be part of his support network if he won, stating, “If she took a role on, she would be a great representative of our country.”

This swift appointment aims to maintain stability and continuity in the Senate following Senator Graham’s passing.

Sources