South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced the appointment of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve in the longtime Republican lawmaker’s seat after he suddenly died over the weekend.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him,” Nordone said at a news conference with McMaster on Monday afternoon. “It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.”
She added: “To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words. But I’m going to do this. I got it.”
Under state law, McMaster can appoint a temporary replacement to fill Graham’s vacant seat. But because Graham was up for reelection this year, his death will kick off a sprint primary election to replace him on the November ballot.
The special primary election will occur on August 11, according to a news release from McMaster’s office.
