Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., on March 3. President Donald Trump suggested Monday that the late senator’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, should replace him temporarily in the Senate. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
President Donald Trump on Monday floated the idea of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, serving as his temporary successor.
In a post on Truth Social, the president called on South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint her as the interim senator, filling a post held by her brother for nearly 25 years.
“This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Trump wrote.
Graham died suddenly Saturday night, days after his 71st birthday. The District of Columbia’s medical examiner said Sunday he died of a heart issue — an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
State law says McMaster may appoint someone to temporarily fill a vacant Senate seat. Graham, a Republican, was up for re-election this year, meaning whomever is appointed would serve only until the end of the year.
It’s unclear if Nordone has interest in running for the position to serve beyond the end of the current term. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman have each expressed interest in the Republican nomination.
CNN reported that McMaster scheduled a news conference for 4 p.m. EDT to announce his appointment pick. A Republican with knowledge of the situation told Politico that McMaster intends to appoint Nordone.
Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002.
Notable deaths of 2026
Sam NeillActor Sam Neill attends a photo call for “Sweet Country” at the Venice Film Festival in Italy on September 5, 2017. Neill, best known for his roles in “Jurassic Park” and “The Hunt for Red October,” died at the age of 78 on July 13. Photo by Rune Hellestad/ UPI | License Photo
