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Graham’s Seat Inherited
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham died suddenly on Saturday, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to finish the term, with Darline sworn in as the newest U.S. senator on Tuesday.
“Darline Graham Nordone, raises her right hand during her ceremonial swearing-in at the US Capitol on July 14, 2026”
The Hill reported that Darline Graham Nordone recited the oath of office at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday while Scott Bessent and Marco Rubio looked on, and it said Senate Republicans again have a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
Al Jazeera said the appointment came at the suggestion of United States President Donald Trump, and it described McMaster introducing the new senator as Graham’s “darling little sister” who would “finish his work for him now”.
Fox News said Darline Graham will be sworn in Tuesday afternoon and framed the move as part of a long list of relatives replacing late family members in Congress.
Backlash and Debate
Global Times reported that the appointment sparked controversy among U.S. media and netizens, with critics questioning whether Graham’s sister had the political experience to qualify for the position.
In a comment relayed by Global Times, a netizen on X called the decision “This is a disgrace display of political corruption, his sister a non political person, non elected, non wanted.”
Al Jazeera said Darline Graham Nordone has never held elected office and quoted her brief remarks during the announcement: “I promise 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 Hill added that it’s the first time in Senate history that a sibling has been sworn in to replace a senator who died in office, and it noted that the new Sen. Graham will hold the seat until January.
What’s at Stake Next
The Hill said Darline Graham Nordone will hold the seat until January, when a candidate yet to be nominated will take Graham’s spot on the November ballot for a full six-year term.
“Three days after the sudden death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was sworn in on Tuesday to fill his vacant Senate seat at the suggestion of United States President Donald Trump”
Fox News said Darline Graham McMaster’s decision to tap Darline Graham will make her the first female U.S. senator in South Carolina history, and it also described how their parents died in 1976 and 1977 with Lindsey becoming his sister’s legal guardian.
Al Jazeera explained that while Darline inherits her brother’s Senate seat, she does not automatically inherit his influence, and it said Republican leaders will decide her committee assignments.
Global Times quoted South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster describing the appointment as temporary until a special election is held, and it said McMaster stated Darline Graham would serve out the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s term until January 3, 2027.
