The behind schedule Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., right, then-presidential candidate, rides in the back of a golf cart with his sister Darline Graham Nordone, center, during the Iowa State Fair on August 17, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Monday that he wants South Carolina’s governor to choose the behind schedule U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister to fill the Republican seat for the remainder of his term.
“I have recommended to Governor Henry McMaster Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister Darline to serve as Interim Senator for the Greater State of South Carolina,” Trump wrote in a social media post. “This would be a great tribute to Lindsey, who loved her very much!”
McMaster will announce his appointment to the Senate at a press conference at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The person selected for the role would serve the remainder of Graham’s term until early January. Graham was near his sisterDarline Graham Nordone after her parents died when she was a teenager.
South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott supported the proposal, writing on social media that Nordone would be “a fantastic choice to commemorate the Senate term.”
“After speaking with Darline, there is no one who better understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state and our country,” Scott wrote.
Graham, 71, died unexpectedly This weekend, he suffered an aortic dissection due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner reported by Graham’s office.
Graham’s death also triggered a special election process in his home state to determine who will advance to a full six-year term in the Senate in November’s general election.
Graham won the Republican primary in June and was scheduled to face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews later this year.
The special election to determine which Republican advances is scheduled for August 11th, with a runoff election taking place on August 25th if necessary.
