Darline Graham Nordone appointed interim senator after Lindsey Graham’s death

Following the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, his younger sister Darline Graham Nordone has been named his interim successor in the Senate by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

Governor McMaster described Nordone as his “beloved younger sister” and emphasized that she would continue Graham’s unfinished work. Nordone herself called the appointment a great honor, noting: “Lindsey was always there for me, now I will be there for him.”

Graham and Nordone shared a close bond since childhood, especially after losing both parents when Graham was 22 and Nordone was 13.

Graham once remarked that Nordone would serve as his “First Lady” if he ever became President. Nordone, a mother of two, previously worked in programs helping people with disabilities find employment, but had no prior political career.

Graham, elected to the Senate in 2002, was a leading Republican voice on foreign policy and national security. He died at age 71 from a heart condition on July 12, 2026. Nordone will serve the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends in 2027. It remains unclear whether she will run for a full six‑year term afterward.

Her appointment was supported by several leaders, including President Donald Trump, as a way to honor Graham’s legacy.