Newly minted Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., has made history as the first female senator from the Palmetto State, the first sister to serve in the upper chamber, and the first person to fill the vacant seat left by her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Graham was sworn in Tuesday, and during her appointment ceremony, she paid tribute to her brother, saying, "Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him." This poignant statement highlights the close bond between the siblings and Darline's commitment to carrying out her brother's legacy.
Despite never holding elected office, Darline Graham has had a front-row seat to her brother's work, accompanying him on the campaign trail and attending his swearing-in ceremonies. She has vowed to work hard to support the president and continue her brother's efforts on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.
Graham's sudden ascension to the Senate comes after her brother's shocking death sent shockwaves through Washington, D.C. She was appointed to fulfill the remainder of her brother's term by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, with President Donald Trump recommending her for the position.
As Darline Graham takes up her brother's mantle, the public and private battle for the special election to replace Lindsey Graham as the GOP nominee in South Carolina is intensifying. Both Reps. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., have expressed interest in running in the scheduled Aug. 11 contest.
Meanwhile, the Republican conference is working to determine replacements for Lindsey Graham on several committees he sat on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said the conference is "still working through" this task and will need to decide which committees Darline Graham wants to stay on.
As the Senate adjusts to this new development, Darline Graham is poised to make a significant impact as a caretaker senator, finishing off the remainder of her brother's term through January when a new face will take over as the junior senator for South Carolina.
