COLUMBIA, S.C. —On July 13, in a press release, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to fill the vacancy of the U.S. Senate Seat of the now deceased Senator, Lindsey Graham. On July 14, Ms. Graham will be sworn in as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.

Governor McMaster issued the following statement regarding his new appointment.

“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.

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.”

It is a known fact that Lindsey and Darline lost their parents at a young age. Their mother died, and then their father died approximately 15 months later. Lindsey Graham was a very young soldier in the military. Young Darline Graham was left orphaned at 13-years of age. Lindsey Graham adopted and raised his sister.

He taught her to write her given name, Darlene, spelled, Darline, with an i in the middle, at a very young age. She chose her brother’s version of her name once she became an adult.

Darline Graham is a native of Central South Carolina. She is married with two children and has dedicated her career to public service. She has served as Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and has worked to expand employment opportunities for the blind and vision-impaired individuals in the area to gain independence.

Ms. Graham held roles with Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment Workforce, and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, serving South Carolina residents for close to 30 years.

She currently serves on the board for the South Carolina State Workforce Development and is President-elect for the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, and is a Certified Public Manager.

Ms. Graham will serve until January 3, 2027, when the new Congress convenes following the November 2026 general election. A special primary election to nominate a candidate to replace Senator Graham on the ballot.

Filing for the special primary election will be open from July 21 through July 28, 2026.
The special primary will be held on August 11, with a runoff, if necessary, on August 25. The general election will proceed as scheduled on November 3, 2026.

President Trump posted on his X social media page that he hoped S.C. Governor McMaster would choose to appoint Darline Graham Nordone as Interim Appointee to fill Lindsey Graham’s vacant Senate Seat.

“This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly,” Trump stated.