Republican senators have appointed Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to fill his Senate seat temporarily. The decision came as a tribute to Graham’s legacy and values.
Sen. Roger Marshall expressed confidence in Nordone’s ability to represent South Carolina with the same dedication her brother did. ‘She will do a great job,’ Marshall noted, emphasizing her intuitive understanding of Graham’s principles even if she is new to some issues.
She’ll be a strong American first conservative for South Carolina,
he added.
Gov. Henry McMaster’s decision to appoint Nordone came swiftly, just two days after Graham’s untimely death from aortic dissection. Her appointment will last until Graham’s original term ends on January 3. President Trump, a supporter of McMaster, backed Nordone’s appointment.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., highlighted the importance of moving forward, stating, The country needs to continue. The Senate needs to do its work.
Both Graham and President Trump held regular discussions on issues before Graham’s passing, with Trump calling Graham’s loss a significant setback.
Nordone was not just Graham’s sister but also someone he nurtured from a young age. After their parents’ deaths, a young Graham became Nordone’s legal guardian when she was only 13. He later adopted her and encouraged her education by providing military benefits.
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., acknowledged the deep bond between them, sharing that Darline really was the light of his life.
Nordone’s appointment helped restore a 53-seat Republican majority in the Senate. This stability follows the temporary reduction caused by Graham’s passing. Graham’s ability to build friendships within the Senate was a recurring theme among his peers.
‘Lindsey was a dear friend, one of my besties,’ Marshall remembered.
A special primary election is set to begin with filing on July 21. The primary will occur on August 11. If needed, a runoff will follow on August 25, offering candidates two months to campaign before the general election on November 3.
Nordine has not announced whether she will run for a full six-year term. However, Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman from South Carolina have indicated potential candidacies.
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