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World
South Carolina: Lindsey Graham's Sister Appointed to Complete His Senate Term
World Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
South Carolina's governor appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham who passed away on July 11, 2026, to complete the remainder of his Senate term. The appointment, announced on July 13, 2026, received public support from President Trump and leading Republican figures. Graham had served in the Senate since 2003, with his term scheduled to end in January 2027. The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution authorizes governors to appoint a replacement when a Senate seat becomes vacant.
- Darline Graham Nordone appointed South Carolina senator on July 13, 2026
- She replaces her brother Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11, 2026
- President Trump and major Republican leaders publicly support the appointment
- Graham served in the Senate since 2003; his term was scheduled to end in January 2027
- The appointment is authorized under the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
What We Know
South Carolina's governor appointed Darline Graham Nordone on July 13, 2026, to complete the Senate term of her brother, Lindsey Graham, who died two days earlier, according to NPR.
President Donald Trump and leading Republican Party figures expressed their support for the appointment on July 13, 2026.
Context
Lindsey Graham, born July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina, represented the state in the U.S. Senate as a Republican beginning in January 2003. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003.
His fourth Senate term, won in November 2020, was scheduled to run until January 2027. Graham had served in the Senate for more than two decades at the time of his death.
Gubernatorial appointment to the Senate is a mechanism provided by the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1913). It authorizes a state governor to appoint a temporary replacement when a Senate seat becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or expulsion, pending a special election or the end of the current term.
Timeline
- 1995Lindsey Graham enters the U.S. House of Representatives, representing South Carolina's 3rd congressional district.
- January 2003Graham takes office as a U.S. Senator for South Carolina, following his victory in the November 2002 elections.
- November 2020Graham wins his fourth Senate term, for a term scheduled to run until January 2027.
- July 11, 2026Lindsey Graham dies at age 71, two days after his birthday, leaving his Senate seat vacant.
- July 13, 2026South Carolina's governor appoints Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late senator, to complete the remaining term. Trump and leading Republicans express their support.
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