Darling Graham Nordon, R.S.C., sister of Sen. Lindsey Graham, takes the stage before her presidential inauguration announcement on Monday, June 1, 2015 in Central, South Carolina.
Rainier Ehrhardt | AP
President Donald Trump on Monday asked South Carolina’s governor to appoint Darling Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to the Senate seat until the end of the year.
Graham, 71, passed away suddenly on Saturday, leaving his seat vacant until the end of his term. His death was the result of aortic dissection due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia coroner and a statement released by Graham’s office.
“I encouraged Governor Henry McMaster to invite Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darling, to serve as the senator pro tempore from South Carolina. This would be a wonderful tribute to Lindsey, who loved her so much!” Trump posted on TruthSocial.
In a post on X late Monday morning, Sen. Tim Scott (RS.C.) also expressed support for Graham Nordon.
“Lindsay Graham’s sister, Darin Graham Nordone, would be a great choice to serve as a reminder of his Senate tenure. After speaking with Darin, no one could better understand Lindsey’s love for his family, state, and country,” Scott wrote.
Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster has the authority to appoint an interim replacement to complete Mr. Graham’s term. Mr. McMaster has scheduled a press conference for Monday afternoon in which he will reflect on Mr. Graham’s life and announce his interim appointment.
Mr. Graham has been an influential figure in the Senate for more than two decades and a key ally of Mr. Trump. His death could complicate Republican priorities in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority, and interim appointments are key for leadership in Congress and the White House.
At the time of his death, Graham was seeking another six-year term, but candidates are swarming ahead of a special primary election to be held on Aug. 11, according to state law. The winner of the special primary will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election this November.
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter dubbed the race “Solid R.”
Many members of South Carolina’s House of Representatives, which includes just one Democrat, have expressed interest. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, who ran unsuccessfully for governor earlier this year, have said they may run. In a post to Mr. X on Sunday, Representative William Timmons did not rule out the possibility of a tryout for the Senate seat. Representatives Russell Frye and Joe Wilson have also been floated as potential candidates.
Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evett, who ran unsuccessfully for governor but won President Trump’s support, may join the fray.
Mr. McMaster, who will be appointed governor at the end of this year, has also been floated as a possible long-term successor to Mr. Graham in the Senate.
In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, President Trump praised the South Carolina governor.
“Henry was a great governor. He’s been removed from office, but he’s going to do the right thing,” Trump said. “I think Henry will be a great player.”
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