Trump Recommends Lindsey Graham's Sister to Fill Senate Seat

Jul 13, 2026

Following the unexpected death of Sen. Lindsey Graham from an aortic dissection, President Trump recommended the late senator's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve as his interim replacement. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has the authority to make the appointment, which would last until January. Other Republicans like Sen. Tim Scott support the choice. A special primary is set for August 11 to select a GOP nominee for the full term.

Graham's unexpected death

▪U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, 71, died unexpectedly on July 11, 2026.
▪At the time of his death, Lindsey Graham was campaigning for a fifth term in the U.S. Senate.
▪Lindsey Graham raised his younger sister, Darline Graham Nordone, after their parents died when he was 20 and she was 11.
▪Lindsey Graham's death was caused by aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the D.C. medical examiner.

Trump recommends Graham's sister

▪Senator Tim Scott and Senate Majority Leader John Thune both expressed support for Darline Graham Nordone's potential appointment.
▪Darline Graham Nordone has a sparse public record of her political views.
▪President Trump made his recommendation to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster via a post on the social media platform Truth Social.
▪On July 13, 2026, President Donald Trump recommended Darline Graham Nordone, the late senator's sister, for the vacant South Carolina Senate seat.
▪President Trump said the appointment would be a "fabulous tribute" to the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

McMaster's appointment authority

▪Governor Henry McMaster was scheduled to announce the interim appointment at a news conference on the afternoon of July 13, 2026.
▪South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has the authority to appoint an interim replacement to fill the Senate seat.
▪The interim appointee will serve until early January 2027, the end of Lindsey Graham's term.

August special primary election

▪The Cook Political Report has labeled the South Carolina Senate race as "Solid R."
▪A special primary election for the Republican nomination is scheduled for August 11, with the filing period opening on July 21.
▪The winner of the special primary will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November general election.

Crowded Republican candidate field

▪President Trump has privately expressed interest in backing Rep. Russell Fry for the new six-year Senate term.
▪Potential Republican candidates for the Senate seat include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, William Timmons, Russell Fry, and Joe Wilson.