Lindsey Graham’s Sister Appointed to Fill Senate Seat

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, to fill his vacant Senate seat until the first week of January, when the new Congress is sworn in.

Nordone, whom President Donald Trump named as his preferred choice for the post, is expected to be sworn in as early as this week. Her appointment will allow Republicans to retain their 53–47 majority in the Senate.

Lindsey Graham died on Saturday shortly after returning to Washington from a trip to Ukraine. His death, combined with Senator Mitch McConnell’s continuing absence, is complicating Republican efforts to advance key legislation on defense, national security and sanctions against Russia, as well as President Trump’s nominees.

McMaster described Graham as “one of South Carolina’s greatest sons” and said it was an honor to ask his younger sister to finish his work. Nordone recalled that Lindsey Graham had cared for her after their parents died and said she now wanted to be there for him by completing his Senate term.

South Carolina Republicans will hold a special primary on 11 August, followed by a runoff on 25 August if no candidate wins a majority. The nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the 3 November election.

It remains unclear whether Nordone will seek a full six-year term.

(Reuters, bak)