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Nordone appointed after death
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of Graham’s U.S. Senate term after Graham died suddenly over the weekend at age 71.
McMaster said at a news conference that “Today, under the law, it’s my duty to and honor to name someone to serve in the place of this irresistible man, this irreplaceable man, this extraordinary man, for the remainder of his term,” and Nordone responded, “It is such an honor.”
The appointment is set to last through January, with the term expiring in January as described by AP, and NBC News reported Graham’s term ends in early January.
NBC News also said Graham died Saturday at age 71 after preliminary diagnosis of a rupture of his aorta due to a hardening of his arteries, while AP reported aortic dissection as the cause in a preliminary medical examiner report.
AP further reported that Nordone is expected to be sworn in this week, making her the first woman to represent the state in the Senate.
Trump backs the pick
The appointment came hours after President Donald Trump publicly called for Nordone to fill the vacancy, with the Washington Post saying Trump “publicly called for her to fill the vacancy” and NBC News reporting the appointment came hours after Trump wrote on Truth Social that it would be “a fabulous tribute.”
At the same time, Sen. Tim Scott backed Nordone, with the Washington Post quoting Scott: “Nobody understands Lindsey Graham’s heart for faith, family, and South Carolina the way she does,” and NBC News quoting Scott on X that “there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state, and our country.”
McMaster described his conversation with Nordone early Sunday morning, telling reporters that she agreed “through tears to serve,” and AP said McMaster asked Nordone to serve after speaking in “in the wee hours of Sunday morning.”
NBC News said Graham Nordone thanked the governor for selecting her and repeated, “Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him.”
The AP account also described Graham’s close relationship with his sister after their parents died, noting she was often by his side for political touch points and that he became her legal guardian.
Special primary and stakes
Because Graham was up for reelection this year, his death triggered a special election process, with AP saying a one-week filing period for a special primary begins on July 21 and the special primary election is held on Aug. 11.
“South Carolina governor picks Lindsey Graham's sister to finish his Senate term "I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted," Darline Graham Nordone said”
AP also laid out the timetable for any runoff and the general election, saying “Any necessary runoff would follow two weeks after that, or Aug. 25,” and that the new nominee would campaign for the general election on Nov. 3.
NBC News said Graham Nordone will finish her brother’s six-year term, which ends Jan. 3, and it described the filing window starting July 21 and a special primary election held Aug. 11.
The Hill reported that a separate special GOP primary will take place in August for the full six-year term, while Fox News said the filing period begins on July 21 with the special election to follow on Aug. 11 and a runoff on Aug. 25 if needed.
With the seat temporarily filled, CNN reported the special primary will occur on August 11 and that the winner would face Democrat Annie Andrews in November, while also noting McMaster can appoint a temporary replacement under state law.
