Although a few of South Carolina’s household names, including Rep. Nancy Mace and former Gov. Nikki Haley, have fueled speculation surrounding the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s replacement, a close family member is attracting interest from some high-ranking Republicans.
Following President Donald Trump’s lead, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) expressed his support for Graham’s sister to serve out the rest of his term.
As Breitbart reported:
“Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would be a fantastic pick to serve out the remainder of the senate term,” he said, noting that he spoke with her and feels there is “no one” who understands Lindsey Graham’s “love for family, our state, and our country” better.
ADVERTISEMENTThe rousing endorsement from the senator comes after the shocking Sunday news from Graham’s office announcing the senator’s passing “from a brief and sudden illness.” He was 71 years old.
Here’s a sampling of the reaction his endorsement received:
Hey Darline, we’re so Sorry to hear about your brother, we lost ours last year & little sister a while back. We Loved Linsey so much for Standing up for Americans! We will be behind you 100% if you take his place! Looks like Brother & Sister # Love pic.twitter.com/w2fkXHrXCX
— TheBobaloos (@TheBobaloos) July 13, 2026
She better be ready for world war 3 like ol lindsay was, or no deal lol
— Josh Etheridge (@MF_Joshhh) July 13, 2026
This allows all the rest of the folks to primary and let the people of SC VOTE! A Great Choice Darline Graham Nordone to finish out the term.
— Wendy (@wendy1231) July 13, 2026
CBS News provided additional coverage of the latest developments:
McMaster is holding a press conference at 4 p.m. to announce his appointment for the vacant seat left by Graham’s death. The replacement will be able to serve until at least Jan. 3, when a new Congress convenes.
President Trump, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and others have voiced their support for Nordone. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told CNN that selecting Graham’s sister “makes a lot of sense.”
ADVERTISEMENTGraham took legal guardianship of his sister when he was 22 and she was 13, after both of their parents died within 15 months of each other.
Here’s what Scott had to say about Graham’s legacy during an appearance on Fox News:
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