Darline Graham sworn in to finish Lindsey Graham’s US Senate term

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, was formally sworn in to serve the remainder of his term on Tuesday.

She was appointed as the interim senator by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday, a little over 36 hours after her brother’s death was first confirmed by his office.

Set to serve as a senator-designate, Darline will be the first woman to represent South Carolina in any capacity in the United States Senate.

She will serve until Jan. 3, 2027, when the new Congress convenes following the November 2026 general election.

“Lindsey Graham recognized the greatness of America, the seriousness of his work, and also the value of human and lighthearted spirit. He understood the hopes, dreams, and needs of his state and delivered for his state every time,” McMaster said. “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. It is my honor to ask his little sister, Darline, to finish his work.”

Graham, 71, died in Washington, D.C. after what a medical examiner said was a tear in the aorta, the body’s main artery, caused by an underlying cardiovascular disease.

McMaster said he asked Darline Graham on Sunday morning to take over the seat, and she accepted during what he described as an emotional conversation. The governor said he also discussed the appointment with President Donald Trump, who supported the decision.

Graham became his sister’s legal guardian after their parents died and later adopted her when she was 13 years old.

Before her appointment, Darline Graham worked with the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department and has served as Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2019.

A resident of Lexington, she also serves on the SC State Workforce Development Board and is the president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of Charleston, a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, and is a Certified Public Manager.

Darline Graham remembered her brother at the ceremony and promised to carry on with his work through the remainder of the term.

“Lindsey worked harder than anyone to make our state, country, and world better. He loved his family and loved serving this state and the country. He dedicated his life to our country,” she said. “It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard every day over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.”

Among those in attendance were numerous political and professional associates who worked with Graham throughout his career; few knew him like fellow South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

“The appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to the U.S. Senate is an incredible way to honor the legacy of Lindsey Graham,” said Sen. Scott. Nobody understands Lindsey Graham’s heart for faith, family, and South Carolina the way she does. I look forward to working alongside her to continue Senator Graham’s commitment to keeping Americans safe and secure.”

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Lindsey Graham was running for re-election at the time of his death.

A special primary will be held in August to determine who faces Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November general election.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for updates.

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