'It's happening': Graham's sister expected to take Senate seat as GOP filing opens soon
WASHINGTON, DC: Late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham's only surviving sibling, Darline Graham Nordone, is likely to fill his place and serve as the interim Senator to complete the rest of her brother's term in the Senate.
This comes after President Donald Trump pushed Darline’s name for the post and urged the South Carolina governor to appoint her as the temporary replacement until the general election takes place.
Lindsey Graham's sister expected to succeed him
South Carolina Gov Henry McMaster is expected to appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen Lindsey Graham, to fill his vacant Senate seat.
The appointment comes just days before Republicans are expected to begin the filing process for a special primary to choose the party's nominee for the November election.
Several reports suggest that an official announcement was scheduled for 4 pm on Monday, July 13.
Politico’s Jonathan Martin wrote on social media, “It’s happening: @henrymcmaster will appoint Darline Graham Nordone to fill out the rest of her brother’s Senate term this year, per a Repub familiar.”
It’s happening:@henrymcmaster will appoint Darline Graham Nordone to fill out the rest of her brother’s Senate term this year, per a Repub familiar https://t.co/cUyj64NGNs
— Jonathan Martin (@jmart) July 13, 2026
The appointment will come two days after the 71-year-old’s sudden death on Saturday, July 11.
"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the South Carolina senator's office said after Graham’s sudden death after a brief illness.
President recommends Darline Graham Nordone as replacement
President Donald Trump said he has recommended that McMaster appoint Sen Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as the state's interim US senator.
“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 in a Truth Social post on Monday, July 13.
Trump described the move as a "fabulous tribute" to the late senator, saying Graham loved his sister dearly.
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! President DONALD J. TRUMP
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) July 13, 2026
( TS: Jul 13 2026, 10:43 AM ET… pic.twitter.com/GFa2UJEPtK
Before Graham’s permanent replacement takes charge with a proper election, South Carolina’s governor has the right to choose a temporary replacement.
South Carolina law allows the governor to choose anyone who fulfills the legal requirement.
The US Constitution requires the vacant Senate seat to be filled, but how the process takes place falls under the authority of the state. Every state decides according to its own law.
