'Now I'll be there for him': Lindsey Graham's sister sworn in as senator

WASHINGTON,DC: South Carolina entered a new chapter in its political history on Tuesday, July 14, as Darline Graham, sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham officially took the oath of office to fill the US Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother.

Her appointment marks several historic milestones, including becoming the first woman ever to represent South Carolina in the Senate and the first sister to succeed a sibling in the chamber.

Darline Graham steps into the Senate

During her swearing-in ceremony, Graham reflected on the close bond she shared with her late brother, saying the appointment carried both personal and public responsibility.

"Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him," she said, describing the late senator as "an outstanding leader" and "a genuinely good man."

Although Darline Graham has never held elected office, she is far from unfamiliar with Washington politics.

Over the years, she frequently appeared alongside Lindsey Graham during campaigns, public events and official ceremonies, giving her a close view of his work in public service.

She said her immediate goal is to continue the priorities her brother championed while representing South Carolina.

She pledged support to President Donald Trump and vowed to continue serving the people of South Carolina for the remainder of the current Senate term.

Darline Graham's appointment is expected to last through January, when a newly elected senator will take office after the special election process is completed.

Lindsey Graham's prediction now reality

The appointment also revived comments Lindsey Graham made years before his death.

While campaigning for president in 2015, he was asked whether his sister could play a role in his administration if he reached the White House.

At the time, Graham praised her character and suggested she would represent the United States well in any official capacity, saying he could think of few people better suited for such a responsibility.

Those remarks have now taken on new significance following her unexpected arrival in the Senate.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster formally appointed Darline Graham to the position after receiving support from President Donald Trump.

During the announcement, McMaster said Lindsey Graham had spent much of his life looking after his younger sister and described the appointment as an opportunity for her to carry forward his unfinished work.