Trump proposes Lindsey Graham's sister as interim senator amid succession speculation

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid suspense and speculation on who could possibly replace the late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, President Donald Trump has proposed the late senator's sister as interim Senator.

Trump, on Sunday, July 12, said that he already knew who would replace Graham but refused to reveal the name, saying it was not the right time to disclose the details.

Trump proposes Graham’s sister as South Carolina’s interim Senator

President Donald Trump said he has recommended that South Carolina Gov Henry 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.

Senator Lindsey Graham died from “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday, July 11, at the age of 71. He entered the US Senate in 2003, representing South Carolina.

"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.

Graham shared a close bond with his sister, Darline Graham Nordone. Following the death of their parents within a span of 15 months, the late senator assumed the role of her legal guardian when he was in his early twenties.

Trump already knew who would replace Graham

The race to replace Graham as South Carolina Senator had begun soon after his death, with firebrand conservative Rep. Nancy Mace eying the contest.

While no official statement was made about who is expected to fill the vacancy, President Trump indicated that he knows who will replace Lindsey Graham. However, he has refused to reveal the name.

“I have somebody that I think would be great, but I don’t want to say it now because it just, you know, it’s too soon with Lindsey,” Trump said.

“They’ll have some people joining. Some are good, some are bad,” he said. “I never thought I’d be in this position. I thought Lindsey was going to be living forever … He was going to win by a lot.”

South Carolina’s governor to take the decision

Before Graham’s permanent replacement takes charge with a proper election, South Carolina’s Governor has the right to choose a temporary replacement.

The option to choose Graham’s temporary replacement is not confined only to Republicans, as 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 would take place falls under the authority of the state. Every state decides on the process as per its law.

In 46 US states, governors can appoint a temporary senator until voters elect someone permanently.

Kentucky, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin are the four states that do not allow temporary appointments and instead wait for a special election.