On Monday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced that Nordone would serve as Graham’s interim replacement, describing her as “his beloved younger sister” and saying she would continue the work he left unfinished.
Nordone said it is a great honor to take on the role, noting that her brother had always been there for her throughout her life and that she now intends to honor his legacy.
“Lindsey was always there for me. Now, I will be there for him.”
Her appointment follows calls from several political leaders, including President Donald Trump, who publicly supported her selection as a way of honoring Graham after his passing. Graham never married and had no children.
The siblings shared a close relationship from an early age. Both of their parents died within a short period of each other when Lindsey Graham was 22 years old and Darline Nordone was 13.
Nordone is the mother of two children and previously worked in programs that help people with disabilities find employment.
She has never held elected office or served in government before, although she frequently appeared alongside her brother during his political career. Graham once joked that if he were ever elected President of the United States, his sister would serve as his First Lady.
Governor McMaster said Nordone will serve the remainder of Graham’s current Senate term, which expires in 2027.
It is not yet known whether she will run for a full six-year Senate term or simply complete the remainder of her brother’s term.
Lindsey Graham, who was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002, was one of America’s most influential lawmakers, particularly on foreign policy.
