WASHINGTON — Darline Graham will be sworn in Tuesday as South Carolina’s interim United States senator, taking the seat left vacant by the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term, and the swearing-in is scheduled for the afternoon in Washington. FOX Carolina reported the ceremony was set for about 2:30 p.m.
What this means for South Carolina residents
The appointment gives South Carolina continued representation in the U.S. Senate during the months before voters choose a permanent successor. State law requires a short, expedited primary to determine party nominees for the November election because Senator Graham had already won his party’s recent primary.
Graham’s selection also marks a symbolic milestone: she becomes the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
Background and reactions
President Donald Trump encouraged Gov. McMaster to name Darline Graham to the seat. According to statements released by supporters, the president said the appointment would be “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly.”
“It is such an honor. Lindsey has always been there for me, and now, I will be there for him,” Ms. Nordone said on Monday evening.
In remarks attributed to her, Darline Graham (also identified as Darline Graham Nordone in some accounts) said she intends to carry forward her brother’s work and support the president during the remaining months of the term.
Timeline
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sen. Lindsey Graham | Died from an aortic dissection |
| Appointment | Gov. McMaster named Darline Graham interim senator |
| Swearing-in | Scheduled Tuesday afternoon in Washington, about 2:30 p.m. |
| Election process | State law calls for a rapid primary to select a replacement candidate for November |
Practical implications
South Carolinians will continue to have a voice in the Senate while state officials organize the expedited primary process. Voters should watch for official notices from the South Carolina Election Commission and county election boards about filing deadlines and the condensed primary schedule.
- Interim representative: Darline Graham
- Appointing authority: Gov. Henry McMaster
- Swearing-in: Tuesday afternoon in Washington (approx. 2:30 p.m.)
The appointment comes amid mourning in the Graham family and among constituents who had supported Sen. Lindsey Graham. Officials in South Carolina will move quickly to set the timetable for the special primary that will determine the parties’ nominees for the November election.
(Reporting from Washington and statements released by affiliated outlets provided the details in this report.)
