Darline Graham was sworn in Tuesday as South Carolina's first female senator, stepping into the interim role to complete the term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham to the position on Monday, following a recommendation from President Donald Trump. "Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed. It's my honor to ask his little sister, Darline Graham, to finish his work for him now," McMaster said during the appointment ceremony.
Graham, who has never held elected office, stated during her swearing-in that she would work to support the president and carry forward her brother's efforts on behalf of South Carolina and the nation. "My brother was the most amazing person, outstanding leader and just a genuinely good man," she said, vowing to be there for him as he had always been for her.
Graham is expected to serve as a caretaker for the Senate seat through January, after which a new senator will be chosen to fill the junior role for South Carolina. Her appointment marks a significant moment, being the first sister appointed to the Senate and the first woman to represent South Carolina in that chamber.
While Graham completes her brother's term, a special election is scheduled for August 11 to determine the Republican nominee who will run in the general election to fill the seat permanently. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman have expressed interest in participating in this race. President Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate for the special election, though he has shown support for Rep. Russell Fry.
Republicans are also working to fill the committee assignments previously held by Lindsey Graham. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that decisions regarding committee assignments would be made after Graham's swearing-in.