South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to fill her brother's vacant U.S. Senate seat. The appointment, made nearly 48 hours after Sen. Graham's death from an aortic dissection, restores the Republican Party's 53-47 majority in the chamber. The seat will be held by Nordone through Jan. 3, with a special election scheduled for August 11 to determine who will serve the remaining six-year term.
President Donald Trump had advocated for Nordone's appointment, calling it a "fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly." Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., also expressed support for the decision. Thune stated that appointing Graham's sister "makes a lot of sense" and could extend the late senator's legacy.
Nordone, who has not previously held elected office, has been involved with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Her appointment comes amid a narrow Republican majority that had been further strained by the recent illnesses of other GOP senators.
The filing period for the special primary election begins July 21, with the special election on August 11. The upcoming campaign will be brief, with a potential runoff on August 25, leaving candidates a short window to secure nominations ahead of the November 3 general election. Representatives Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., are reportedly considering bids for the seat.