South Carolina’s governor has selected Darling Graham Nordon to serve the remainder of his term in the U.S. Senate until early 2027.
Published July 13, 2026
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has selected Darling Graham Nordon to replace his late brother Lindsey Graham in the U.S. Senate after President Donald Trump endorsed him.
Monday’s appointments ensure that seats will be quickly filled to maintain the 53-member Republican majority in the 100-member House. Mr. Nordon will serve out the remainder of Mr. Graham’s term until January 3.
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The interim senator who heads the South Carolina Commission for the Blind has no formal political experience. But she has appeared at campaign rallies and political ads with her late brother, including when he ran for president in 2016.
On Monday, she suggested her tenure would see her take over her brother’s work. The late senator was a passionate supporter of Israel and a vocal cheerleader for the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.
“I am committed to working hard in the coming months to support the President and continue my brother’s efforts on behalf of the people of South Carolina and the United States,” Nordone said.
He did not say whether he would run for a full Senate term.
Republicans will hold a primary next month to choose a replacement for Graham, who won the party’s nomination for re-election earlier this year. The Republican candidate will then face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews.
Earlier Monday, President Trump asked McMaster to appoint Nordon to fill the vacant Senate seat.
“I have recommended to Governor Henry McMaster that Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister Darling be sworn in as the U.S. Senate pro tempore for South Carolina,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
“This would be a wonderful tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
Graham had no wife or children. While running for president in 2016, he said that if elected, Nordon would be part of his support network.
“She would be a great representative of our country if she accepted the role,” Graham, who died Saturday at the age of 71, said at the time.
“I can’t think of anyone better suited to represent the country at the event than my sister.”
Nordon was in her teens when her parents died, and Graham, who was in her early 20s, helped raise her.
On Monday, McMaster praised the late senator when announcing his appointment, calling him “fascinating” and “irreplaceable.”
“Lindsay has cared for his sister in the years since her death, and it is an honor to ask her sister, Darling Graham, to now finish the job for him,” the governor said.
