Gov. McMaster Appoints Darline Graham to Fill Late Brother’s U.S. Senate Seat
July 15, 2026
In a historic and deeply personal transition, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham (also known as Darline Graham Nordone) to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy left by her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Ms. Graham will make history as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Family
The appointment follows the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham at age 71. In a press conference at the South Carolina Statehouse, Gov. McMaster reflected on the unique, lifelong bond between the siblings, noting that Lindsey Graham had stepped up to raise his younger sister as her legal guardian after their parents died when she was a teenager.
“Today, under the law, it is my duty and honor to name someone to serve in the place of this extraordinary man for the remainder of his term,” Gov. McMaster said. “It is my honor to ask his little sister, Darline, to finish his work.”
An emotional Ms. Graham accepted the appointment, pledging to honor her brother’s legacy and carry on his efforts for South Carolina.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him,” she said, before speaking directly to her late brother: “I miss you more than I can even put into words, but I’m going to do this. I got it.”
A Career Dedicated to the Palmetto State
While new to the political stage of Washington, D.C., Ms. Graham has spent nearly 30 years in public service across South Carolina:
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South Carolina Commission for the Blind: Since 2019, she has served as Commissioner, leading initiatives to expand employment and independence opportunities for blind and low-vision South Carolinians.
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National Council of State Agencies for the Blind: She serves as the national organization’s president.
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State Agency Veteran: Prior to her commission role, she held positions with Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
The choice received widespread bipartisan warm wishes and was strongly endorsed by political figures including President Donald Trump and South Carolina’s senior U.S. Senator Tim Scott.
What Comes Next
Ms. Graham will serve as interim Senator until January 3, 2027, when the new Congress convenes.
Because the late Sen. Graham was the Republican nominee for the upcoming November 2026 general election, state law dictates that a special primary election will be held to choose a nominee to permanently fill the seat on the ballot. Filing for the special primary runs from July 21 through July 28, 2026, with the primary scheduled for August 11, 2026. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November 3 general election.
