Three days after the sudden death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was sworn in on Tuesday, July 15th, 2026, to fill his vacant Senate seat. This appointment came at the suggestion of United States President Donald Trump.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced the selection on Monday, introducing Darline as Graham’s “darling little sister” who would “finish his work for him now.” Graham had been a prominent senator known for his hawkish foreign policy stance and strong support for President Trump.

Darline Graham Nordone, previously active in South Carolina’s local government but without experience in elected political office, inherited the position after Lindsey Graham died unmarried and without children. Neither she nor Governor McMaster has disclosed whether she plans to seek a full six-year Senate term or serve only as a caretaker until January 2027.

In brief remarks during her appointment announcement, Darline said, “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. I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honour him in this way.”