Lindsey Graham’s Sister Named Interim Senator β€” She Accepted Through Tears

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South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed Darline Graham Nordone β€” sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) β€” to serve the remainder of her brother’s Senate term.

The emotional appointment came just days after Graham’s sudden loss, with Nordone accepting the honor through tears at a press conference.

“Darline β€” little sister β€” come here please,” McMaster invited Nordone to the podium.

“First, I would like to thank everyone who has called and reached out over the past couple of days. I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me and our family,” she said. “I know Lindsey was loved and respected by many and I greatly appreciate the memories and even the funny stories that have been shared. These shared experiences and our faith have gotten us through these two very difficult days.”

“Lindsey has always been there for me. Now, I will be there for him.”

Thanking McMaster for selecting her to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term β€” calling it “an honor” β€” she delivered the emotional line that captured the moment.

President Trump endorsed Nordone Monday morning on Truth Social, calling her the right choice to honor Graham’s legacy.

“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!” the president wrote.

Following Trump’s recommendation, the odds on Kalshi that Nordone would be named Graham’s successor skyrocketed from 15% at 9:37 a.m. to 94.7% just 17 minutes later. By 2:00 p.m., the odds reached 97%.

Graham himself praised his sister in a 2015 interview during his presidential run. When asked about being single, Graham joked that his sister could take on roles typically handled by a first lady.

“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,” he said at the time.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) all voiced support for Nordone’s appointment. Kevin Bishop, who served as communications director for Graham, called her “accomplished in her own right.”

“I know Lindsey would be beaming with pride and appreciation if his sister was the one to fill the final few months of his term. He loved her dearly,” Bishop wrote. “Darline is accomplished in her own right. She has years of experience in state government leadership. She’s also a certified optician with a long record supporting government programs for the blind and workforce development.”

“I’ve known Darline for years. She’s a wonderful leader, mother, and grandmother. She’s a first-class person who would represent South Carolina with dignity and honor,” Bishop added.

Nordone’s appointment makes history β€” once sworn in, she will be the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.

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