Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to fill vacant Senate seat
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the late Senator Lindsey Graham's sister, to serve the remainder of his term in the U.S. Senate.
Three days after the death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed the senator's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill the vacant seat. The appointment was announced on Monday and Nordone was sworn in on Tuesday.
Nordone, who has worked in local government but has never held elected office, said she will "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 that she intends to honor her brother's legacy.
As a senator, Nordone will have the authority to vote on legislation, confirm presidential appointments, and participate in committee work, although she will not inherit her brother's seniority or committee assignments, which are determined by Republican leadership.
The practice of appointing relatives to complete the terms of deceased lawmakers has historical precedent in the United States, often referred to as "widow's succession," and has been used to maintain continuity until a special election can be held.