Who Is Darline Graham Nordone? Lindsey Graham's Sister Backed by Trump for South Carolina Senate Seat

Senator Graham, who had no children or spouse, raised Nordone after their parents passed away, and she played a significant role in his political career.

US President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to serve as South Carolina’s interim US senator following her brother’s death. In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump said he had recommended Nordone to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who has the authority to appoint an interim senator until a special election is held.

“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Trump wrote. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also voiced support for Nordone during an interview with CNN on Monday.

Governor McMaster is due to announce his choice at a news conference on Monday afternoon, with the interim senator expected to be sworn in on Wednesday. According to the Associated Press, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has spoken several times with Nordone since Graham’s death, and she plans to attend the governor’s announcement.

Darline Graham Nordone is Senator Graham’s younger sister and his closest surviving family member. Graham never married or had children and frequently spoke about his close relationship with his sister.

The pair grew up in Central, South Carolina, where their parents, Millie and F.J. Graham, ran the Sanitary Cafe, a restaurant, bar and pool hall. After their mother died from Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1976 and their father died of a heart attack about 15 months later, Graham became responsible for raising his younger sister while still in college.

According to the Post and Courier, Graham later adopted Nordone after joining the US Air Force so she could receive military benefits. He became her legal guardian and helped raise her into adulthood.

During Graham’s 2015 presidential campaign, Nordone appeared alongside him at campaign events. “Lindsey was always my parent,” she told The New York Times, describing the role her brother played after their parents’ deaths.

A mother of two, Nordone has worked helping people with disabilities find employment and remained a constant presence throughout her brother’s political career.

Race to Succeed Graham

Graham’s death on Saturday from an aortic dissection has triggered a race among South Carolina Republicans to replace the four-term senator on the November ballot.

Political scientist Scott Huffmon told Newsweek that several prominent Republicans could consider running, including Representatives Ralph Norman, Nancy Mace, Russell Fry and Joe Wilson, as well as former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette.

File Photo of Lindsey Graham with his sister Darline Graham Nordone

Huffmon said Governor McMaster must decide whether to appoint someone likely to seek election or choose a caretaker senator.

According to the Associated Press, Evette has been encouraged by supporters to run but declined to discuss her political future, saying the focus should remain on honouring Graham’s life and legacy.

Representative Joe Wilson said he had told Trump that he intended to remain in the House of Representatives to help preserve Republicans’ narrow majority. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also reportedly ruled out a Senate bid.

Democrats have already selected Charleston paediatrician Annie Andrews as their nominee for the November general election.

Democrats have already selected Charleston paediatrician Annie Andrews as their nominee for the November general election.

Special Election Timetable

Under South Carolina law, the filing period for the special Republican primary opens on 21 July and lasts for one week. The primary is scheduled for August 11, with a run-off on 25 August if no candidate wins a majority. The Republican nominee would then face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election on 3 November.

The accelerated timetable could present logistical challenges because of federal requirements governing the mailing of ballots to military personnel and overseas voters.

A preliminary examination by the Office of the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia found that Senator Graham’s possible cause of death was an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Officials said the findings remain preliminary, with further toxicological and microscopic testing still to be completed.

Graham’s office previously said he died following a “brief and sudden illness” and asked for privacy for his family.