▶ Watch Video: Lindsey Graham’s sister picked to fill seat as colleagues pay tribute to late senator
Washington — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline Graham to finish his Senate term, which ends in January.
“Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed. It’s my honor to ask his little sister Darline Graham to finish his work for him now,” McMaster said at an emotional news conference to announce to his appointment for the vacant seat left by Graham’s death.
Darline Graham will be able to serve until at least Jan. 3, when a new Congress convenes.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said she would be sworn in Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 ET.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him,” she said, calling it a “privilege to get to finish some of his important work.”
AP Photo/Sean Rayford
President Trump, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and others had voiced their support for the choice.
McMaster said he broached the subject of Darline Graham filling her brother’s seat shortly after his death, and that she quickly accepted.
Lindsey Graham 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.
He was also running for reelection this fall, and a special Republican primary election will be held on Aug. 11 to determine who will replace him on the ballot. The candidate who wins in November will secure a full six-year term.
Graham died Saturday at the age of 71. A medical examiner’s preliminary findings indicated the cause was aortic dissection, which involves a tear in the main artery from the heart.
Through the years, Darline Graham has been active in supporting her brother’s political ambitions, attending his political and official events.
AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File
On Monday morning, Mr. Trump threw his endorsement behind Graham’s younger sister to serve the rest of his term.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
Scott told “CBS Mornings” that she “would be a wonderful placeholder.” Scott has spoken to her multiple times over the past 24 hours, a source familiar with the talks told CBS News. Scott was on hand for the announcement later Monday.
Editor’s note: Darlene Graham’s name has been updated in this story after Graham’s office clarified that she does not go by her husband’s last name, Nordone.