U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, left, Republican of South Carolina, participates in a reenactment of her swearing-in ceremony July 14, 2026, at the U.S. Capitol, along with her husband Larry Nordone and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, president pro tempore of the Senate. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON – Senator Darline Graham joined the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, temporarily filling the seat of her delayed brother Lindsey Graham.
Darline Graham was sworn in just one day after South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed as a Republican to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term. President Donald Trump recommended she fill Lindsey Graham’s seat hours before the governor’s nomination.
Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly this weekend from an aortic dissection due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner released by the senator’s office.
Lindsey Graham served in the US Senate for more than two decades and had just returned from Ukraine before his death.
Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, interim president of the Senate, swears in Darline Graham. Shortly thereafter, Grassley met with Darline Graham and her family in the Old Senate Chamber for a reenactment of the swearing-in ceremony.
Darline Graham heads the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. She is the first woman to represent the Palmetto State in the U.S. Senate.
She will serve alongside South Carolina GOP Sen. Tim Scott until January, when Lindsey Graham’s term ends.
Lindsey Graham in June secured the GOP primary in his bid for a fifth term in the Senate.
A special GOP primary will be held Aug. 11 to determine who will appear on the November ballot. If necessary, a runoff election is planned for August 25th.
The winner of this primary will face the Democratic candidate Dr. Annie Andrews compete.
