South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to fill his Senate seat. This decision follows a push from President Donald Trump, who expressed his support for Nordone through a post on social media.
Nordone's appointment comes nearly 48 hours after her brother's sudden death from an aortic dissection. Trump wrote in a post that Nordone would be a "fabulous tribute" to Lindsay, who loved her dearly. McMaster described speaking with Nordone ahead of her appointment and said she agreed to serve through tears.
Nordone's appointment fills the seat through January 3, while voters decide in November who will hold the seat for the next six-year term. It is unclear if Nordone would consider running for a full six-year term, and there is already private jockeying to run in the special election to secure the GOP nomination in the Palmetto State.
Nordone is married to Larry Nordone and has two daughters. She has worked with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind as commissioner, providing services aimed at helping blind and low-vision residents gain employment, independence, and self-sufficiency.
Nordone has not previously held elected office, but she will become South Carolina's first female senator. Her appointment is seen as a way of extending Lindsay's legacy, with some believing it would be a way to maintain Republican control of the Senate.
The filing period for a special primary election begins on July 21, with the special election to follow on August 11. A runoff, if needed, would be held August 25, leaving the candidate just two months to campaign before the November 3 general election.
