President Donald Trump urged South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill the late senator’s seat through January 2027.
Graham lost his life late Saturday night to an aortic dissection after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. McMaster faces the task of selecting Graham’s replacement for the remainder of his current term. An announcement is expected Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
Trump posted the endorsement Monday on Truth Social.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott backed the recommendation.
Scott posted Monday that Graham Nordone would be a fantastic pick to serve out the remainder of the senate term, adding that no one better understands Graham’s love for family, the state, and the country.
Graham himself suggested his sister would excel in such a role. In a 2015 C-SPAN interview, the senator said his sister would be a great representative of the country.
From 2015 interview with C-SPAN, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on his sister Darline Graham Nordone: “If she took a role on she would be a great representative of our country. I can’t think of a better person to represent our country in an event than my sister.” pic.twitter.com/SjkwIV2TAH
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 13, 2026
Graham and his sister shared an extraordinary bond. When both parents passed away from illness when he was 22 years old, Graham took over raising Darline — then just 13. He legally adopted her after graduating from law school so she could receive benefits and insurance while he served in the United States Air Force.
In a campaign ad from Graham’s political career, Darline recalled that even before her parents passed away, her brother was always the one who took care of her.
“Darline” —
One of several TV spots over the years that featured Lindsey Graham’s sister
Produced by Graham’s longtime media consultant Scotty Howell pic.twitter.com/o1SFKcE7bd
— Medium Buying (@MediumBuying) July 13, 2026
She described him helping her finish homework, teaching her to ride her first bicycle, and caring for her when she was sick.
Graham Nordone said in the ad that after losing their parents, Graham assured her he would take care of her and be there for her — and he never let her down. He made sure she went to college. Taking on the responsibility of raising a little sister came from within for Graham, she said, and he did a good job.
Throughout Graham’s political career — from his first days in Congress to his 2016 presidential run — Darline stood by his side.
Graham Nordone told The New York Post in a brief phone call Monday that she’s devastated right now.
