Darline Graham Sworn Into Late Brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Darline Graham was sworn into the U.S. Senate Tuesday, just three days after the death of her brother, longtime South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. Appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster, she will serve the remainder of his current term while voters choose a successor in a special election later this year.
Darline Graham Senate Appointment Quick Looks
- Darline Graham was sworn into the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.
- She fills the remaining months of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term.
- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her on Monday.
- She becomes South Carolina’s first female U.S. senator.
- A special Republican primary will be held in August.
- Lindsey Graham died Saturday from an aortic dissection at age 71.
- Several prominent Republicans are expected to compete for the seat.
Darline Graham Officially Joins the U.S. Senate
Darline Graham was sworn into the United States Senate Tuesday afternoon, formally filling the seat left vacant by the death of her brother, longtime South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Her swearing-in came just three days after Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly in Washington at age 71.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham on Monday to serve the remainder of her brother’s current Senate term. A separate special election will determine who will serve the next full term after Graham had already launched a campaign for reelection before his death.
With Tuesday’s ceremony, Darline Graham becomes the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
Serving in Honor of Her Brother
Darline Graham has never before held elected office.
She previously worked as an optician and also served in several South Carolina state agencies, including the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and the Department of Employment and Workforce.
Although she is married to Larry Nordone, she will officially serve under her legal name, Darline Graham.
Speaking after her appointment Monday, she reflected on the close relationship she shared with her brother.
“And now, I will be there for him,” she said.
Lindsey Graham Raised His Younger Sister
The Graham siblings shared an unusually close bond that stretched back decades.
After both of their parents died, Lindsey Graham became his younger sister’s legal guardian when he was 22 years old and she was just 13.
Throughout his political career, Darline Graham frequently appeared alongside him during campaign events, political rallies and reelection announcements.
She also stood beside him earlier this year when he officially filed paperwork seeking a fifth Senate term.
Following her appointment, she spoke emotionally about carrying on his legacy.
“To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words,” she said.
“But I’m going to do this. I got it.”
Senate Leaders Welcome Graham
Before administering the oath of office Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised the appointment.
He said he believes Darline Graham “will carry on Lindsey’s tireless service to South Carolina.”
Governor McMaster said he spoke with Darline Graham shortly after her brother’s death and immediately asked whether she would consider serving.
“I had wondered what you would say, and I was humbled by your quickness to see the duty that you had to serve,” McMaster said.
He also noted that President Donald Trump approved of the selection.
According to McMaster, Trump “thought it was a great idea” after being informed of the appointment.
Trump later publicly endorsed Darline Graham to temporarily fill the Senate seat.
Special Election Process Begins
South Carolina law requires a special election process following the death of a candidate seeking reelection.
The filing period for Republican candidates will begin July 21.
The special Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11.
If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff election will take place Aug. 25.
The Republican nominee will then campaign for the Nov. 3 general election.
Several Republicans are already viewed as potential candidates, including:
Lindsey Graham’s Legacy
Lindsey Graham served as one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in the Senate and chaired the Senate Budget Committee.
He was expected to become the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee during the next Congress.
A preliminary report from the medical examiner found Graham died from an aortic dissection, a tear in the body’s main artery.
His death ended more than two decades of Senate service and set in motion one of South Carolina’s most significant political transitions in recent history.
Darline Graham will now temporarily represent the state while Republican voters choose who will carry the seat forward in the upcoming special election.
More on US News
Comments are closed.