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Darline sworn in
Darline Graham was sworn in to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday afternoon to fill the seat of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died over the weekend at the age of 71.
“Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's sister, sworn in as senator She will serve the remainder of his term, which is set to expire in January”
The ceremony was presided over by Republican Chuck Grassley, the president pro tempore of the Senate, and Darline Graham was escorted by fellow South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Alabama Sen. Katie Britt as she approached to take the oath of office.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham on Monday, and President Donald Trump supported the appointment, calling it a “fabulous tribute” to Lindsey Graham.
ABC News reported that Darline Graham will serve the remainder of his term, which is set to expire in January, and the Post and Courier reported she was sworn in July 14 and took office three days after his death at home in Washington, D.C., from a torn aorta.
The Post and Courier said the swearing-in lasted less than 40 seconds, with Darline Graham mouthing “thank you” three times to Sen. Chuck Grassley moments after he administered the oath of office.
Support and ceremony
The Post and Courier described the Senate chamber responding with sustained applause as Darline Graham stepped into the seat her brother left behind, and it said she carried his legacy while taking on the responsibility of representing South Carolina.
Sen. Chuck Grassley administered the oath of office, and the BBC said the ceremony took place just three days after Lindsey Graham’s sudden death.
Darline Graham told reporters on Monday that it was “such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work,” and she pledged to “work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.”
The Guardian reported that Senator Tim Scott said in a statement that it was “a wonderful tribute that she is now carrying his legacy of service across the finish line,” as he welcomed her to the Senate.
CBS News reported that Darline Graham called it “such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work,” while also saying “Lindsey has always been there for me. And now I will be there for him.”
Special election ahead
Because Lindsey Graham was seeking reelection, the appointment set up a special election process, with the BBC and CBS News both describing a separate special election to pick a new Republican nominee for the seat.
“Darline Graham, younger sister of Lindsey Graham, has been sworn in to the Senate to complete the remainder of her late brother's term”
CNN reported that the special primary election will occur on August 11, and it said the winner would face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
The AP said South Carolina law sets a one-week filing period beginning on the second Tuesday after the candidate’s death, or July 21, with the special primary election held on the second Tuesday after that filing period closes, or Aug. 11, and any runoff following two weeks after that, or Aug. 25.
The Guardian reported that Darline Graham cast her first vote as a U.S. senator to advance the $1.15tn annual defense authorization bill, though it failed in a 50-46 tally.
The Guardian also said the Senate term Darline Graham is filling ends on 3 January, while the Post and Courier reported she will sit in the Senate through Jan. 3, 2027, the end of her brother’s current term.
