Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of the late South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, was sworn in to fill his Senate seat in Washington. She took the oath to complete the remainder of her brother's term, which expires in January.
Nordone, 62, became emotional during the ceremony, wiping away tears after visiting her brother's desk, which was draped in black. Senator Tim Scott, a fellow South Carolina Republican and longtime friend of Graham's, stood by her side as she took the oath administered by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa. Nordone did not address the chamber after being sworn in.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, with the support of former President Donald Trump, appointed Nordone to the vacant seat. This appointment marks a unique succession, as Nordone is the first sibling to be sworn into office following the death of a lawmaker. Previous appointments to fill such vacancies have typically involved spouses or children of the deceased.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was appointed to her seat by her father, Frank Murkowski, after he resigned from the Senate to become governor. In Louisiana, House Republican Julia Letlow took over the seat of her late husband, Luke Letlow, in a special election after his death from COVID-19 in 2021, before he could be sworn into office.
Nordone expressed that it is a "privilege" to help finish her brother's "important work." She described Lindsey Graham as "the most amazing person, outstanding leader, and just a genuinely good man," adding, "I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way."
Former President Trump commended the appointment, calling it a "fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly."
Darline Graham Nordone and Senator Graham shared a close bond. He adopted her when she was 13, after the death of both of their parents. She has no prior experience in public office. The siblings grew up together in Central, South Carolina, in modest circumstances, with their parents operating a local bar. Their mother died of Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1976, and their father passed away from a heart attack about a year later. During this difficult time, Graham played a significant role in raising his sister, ensuring she completed her education.
Lindsey Graham enlisted in the Air Force, and Darline credited his service with helping her qualify for benefits that allowed her to finish high school and attend college. She later built a career assisting individuals with disabilities in finding employment. Graham often spoke of her success as a significant personal achievement.
Senator Graham's unexpected death was announced early Sunday morning. His office later issued a statement attributing his death to "aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease." A 911 call for "cardiac arrest" had been placed from his residence Saturday evening.
For the permanent replacement, Republicans have a primary election scheduled for August 11, with a potential runoff on August 25 if no candidate secures a majority.