Lindsey Graham's Sister Appointed to Fill His Senate Seat

The Senate seat left vacant by Lindsey Graham will stay in the family: his sister has been officially appointed to succeed the late South Carolina senator. Governor Henry McMaster announced Monday that Darline Graham Nordone will serve out the remainder of her brother's term — just hours after President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the move.

Darline, a mother of two, is no stranger to Graham's political orbit. She was one of his closest advisers, regularly appeared in his campaign ads, and during his 2015 presidential run, Lindsey jokingly called her his 'first lady' since he never married.

Lindsey Graham died Saturday at age 71 from a torn aorta. The sudden loss shocked Washington: Trump revealed he had spoken with Graham just hours before his death and called him 'one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.'

South Carolina law requires a special election to pick a permanent replacement, but Governor McMaster was free to appoint an interim senator. Darline Graham Nordone will hold the seat until January.

The race to fill the seat is expected to be crowded, with several prominent South Carolina Republicans gearing up. Candidate filing opens July 21, and the GOP primary is set for Aug. 11.

It remains unclear whether Darline herself plans to run. Her appointment marks a surprising twist in the state's political landscape, and analysts are watching closely.