Darline Graham is far from the first to take a family member’s Senate seat

Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDarline Graham was appointed to the U.S. Senate to complete her late brother Lindsey Graham's term and intends to seek a full six-year term in November, backed by President Donald Trump. The practise of family members filling Senate vacancies is extremely rare, with only 12 instances since 1913, predominantly involving widows. Advantages of such appointments include built-in name recognition, continuity, and familiarity with donor networks, but critics argue it raises concerns about nepotism and undemocratic hereditary rule. The 17th Amendment permits state governors to make temporary appointments to Senate vacancies, with state laws dictating special election timing, a process distinct from House vacancies which mandate elections. Notable historical examples include Hattie Caraway, the first woman elected to the Senate, and Lisa Murkowski, whose appointment by her father as governor sparked significant controversy. In fullLindsey Graham’s death revives a rare and controversial custom: Keeping a Senate seat in the familyMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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