CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump recommended on Monday that Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, be appointed as his temporary replacement in the U.S. Senate. Trump made the announcement via social media, urging South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Nordone to fulfill the remainder of Graham's term, which ends in January. Lindsey Graham passed away over the weekend at the age of 71, and McMaster is expected to announce his decision later on Monday.
Lindsey Graham raised his sister after their parents died when they were young, and they maintained a close relationship. A source familiar with the appointment process, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that the interim senator would be sworn in on Wednesday. Senator Tim Scott, who has communicated with Graham's sister since his death, is expected to attend McMaster's announcement.
A special election is scheduled for next month to select a new Republican nominee for Graham's seat. Graham was pursuing a fifth term this year. The vacancy has prompted interest from various South Carolina conservatives looking to advance their political careers.
Recently, Republicans concluded a competitive nomination process to succeed McMaster, with State Attorney General Alan Wilson emerging victorious over candidates including Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Rep. Nancy Mace, both of whom are now considering running for Graham's seat.
According to South Carolina law, a one-week filing period for the special primary election begins on the second Tuesday after a candidate's death, which falls on July 21. The special primary election will occur on the second Tuesday after the filing period closes, set for August 11, with any necessary runoff taking place two weeks later on August 25. However, federal law mandates that military and overseas ballots must be distributed 45 days before any federal election, which could complicate the timeline.
Graham's death was attributed to an aortic dissection, as reported by a preliminary medical examiner. Following his passing, speculation about potential replacements circulated within Republican circles. It is anticipated that whoever McMaster appoints may be a leading candidate in the special primary, though they may only serve temporarily.
Evette, who has served alongside McMaster for nearly eight years, is one potential candidate. A source indicated that she has received encouragement from various supporters across the state.
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, a possible replacement, stated that he intends to remain in the House to support the Republican majority. Meanwhile, Rep. Russell Fry, a two-term lawmaker and Trump ally, is also considered a potential candidate.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who previously lived in South Carolina, has received inquiries about the position but is not interested in leaving his current role.
In the broader electoral context, no Democrat has won a Senate seat in South Carolina for decades, and Republicans typically secure statewide seats by significant margins. In the 2020 election, Graham defeated his Democratic opponent, Jaime Harrison, by a margin of 10 percentage points. Democratic nominee Charleston pediatrician Annie Andrews has raised over $8 million for her campaign, while Graham had raised $6 million prior to his death. Andrews has called for unity and gratitude toward Graham for his service.