Scramble for Replacement Begins as Trump Taps Graham's Sister as Replacement
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday publicly endorsed the appointment of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to temporarily fill South Carolina’s vacant U.S. Senate seat, urging Gov. Henry McMaster to select her as a tribute to her brother’s decades of public service.
Trump announced his recommendation in a post on social media, calling Nordone the ideal choice to serve as an interim senator until voters elect a permanent successor.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Trump wrote. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
A Republican familiar with McMaster’s deliberations said the governor intends to appoint Nordone to serve through the remainder of the year. The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because the official announcement had not yet been made. McMaster is expected to reveal his decision during a press conference scheduled for Monday afternoon.
If confirmed, Nordone would temporarily occupy the seat left vacant following Graham’s death on Sunday. It remains uncertain, however, whether she would seek election to a full Senate term. Her appointment as a caretaker would likely set the stage for a competitive Republican primary, with several prominent South Carolina Republicans already positioning themselves as potential candidates.
Among those who have expressed interest in seeking the seat are U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, both Republicans representing South Carolina. Additional candidates are also expected to enter what could become one of the state's most closely watched Republican contests.
Trump’s endorsement is likely to carry considerable influence in South Carolina, where he remains highly popular among Republican voters. By backing a temporary appointment rather than endorsing a candidate for the full term, Trump leaves the field open for what is expected to be a wide-ranging primary battle while simultaneously honoring one of his longtime political allies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated Monday that he believes appointing Nordone would be an appropriate way to recognize Graham’s legacy. Speaking during an appearance on CNN, Thune said he spoke with both McMaster and Nordone on Sunday following the senator’s death.
“I’ll let the governor make an announcement,” Thune said. “But I think in many respects it would be a way of extending Lindsey’s legacy here, and certainly something that—if that’s what they decide to end up doing—I think there’d be a lot of support for.”
Under South Carolina law, the process to permanently fill the Senate seat will move quickly. Republican candidates will compete in a special primary election on Aug. 11, giving prospective contenders only a short window to organize campaigns, raise money, and build voter support.
The compressed election calendar could favor candidates with recent statewide campaign experience and established fundraising networks. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for governor this election cycle, is viewed as one potential contender. Norman, who also mounted an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign, could similarly benefit from his recent statewide campaign infrastructure and name recognition.
The outcome of McMaster’s appointment, coupled with Trump’s endorsement and the accelerated election schedule, is expected to shape one of the most consequential Republican Senate races in South Carolina in recent years.