President Donald Trump has recommended Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, for appointment to the South Carolina Senate seat.
Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he advised South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Nordone to serve the remainder of Graham's term. "This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!" Trump posted.
Lindsey Graham and his sister had a close relationship; the senator legally adopted and raised Nordone after their parents died.
South Carolina faces a special primary election following Graham's unexpected death at age 71. The appointment to fill the vacancy is anticipated to be announced by Governor McMaster on Monday afternoon.
Senator Tim Scott, R-S.C., also expressed support for Darline Graham Nordone as an interim appointee. "Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would be a fantastic pick to serve out the remainder of the Senate term," Scott said on X. "After speaking with Darline, there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state, and our country."
Scott had previously mentioned former Rep. Trey Gowdy and former Sen. Jim DeMint as potential interim replacements. He suggested that Governor McMaster select a temporary appointee, allowing voters to decide the eventual nominee in a forthcoming special election. "I think in the next several hours or next day or so we'll figure out who that person is," Scott said regarding the interim appointment. "We've got lots of candidates who could hold the place so that the voters decide. And remember the election starts August the 11th in South Carolina, three weeks from now, we'll have a primary process."
Both Gowdy and DeMint have prior congressional experience, with Gowdy having served in the House and DeMint in the Senate before Scott. Darline Graham Nordone, however, has not previously held public office.
Multiple sources close to Senator Scott, who also chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, indicated that he is urging McMaster to select one of these individuals to serve as a temporary placeholder and not to seek election to a full six-year term.
As the interim appointment process nears its conclusion, the race for the Republican nomination to fill Graham's seat in the November general election remains open. Representatives Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., have indicated their intent to enter the special election scheduled for August 11. Representative Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has stated he will remain in the House, while other members of South Carolina's Republican congressional delegation have not yet disclosed their plans.