Trump Pushes Lindsey Graham’s Sister as Interim South Carolina Senator
The late Republican helped raise Darline Graham Nordone.
President Trump Monday suggested South Carolina send Darline Graham Nordone, the late GOP Senator Lindsey Graham’s sister, to Washington as her brother’s replacement for the remainder of his term.
The governor, a Republican and early Trump supporter, is holding a 4 p.m. news conference to announce his choice, who is expected to be sworn in Wednesday.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Scott English, chief of staff to former Palmetto State Governor Mark Sanford, lauded the suggestion.
“From their humble beginnings in Central, SC, to Lindsey’s part on the world stage, Darline has been an integral part of that lifetime,” Mr. English told The Washington Star Monday. “She would represent Lindsey and the people of South Carolina well. My prayers are with her and the rest of Team Graham as they sort through this tragic loss and difficult time.”
“Actually, I’m just kind of like devastated right now,” Mrs. Nordone told reporter Josh Christenson in a brief phone call when asked about the announcement.
Republican Tim Scott, now South Carolina’s senior senator, also endorsed the president’s idea.
“Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would be a fantastic pick to serve out the remainder of the senate term,” Mr. Scott posted on social media. “After speaking with Darline, there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state, and our country.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told CNN Mr. Trump’s suggestion “makes a lot of sense,” saying, “It would be a way of extending Lindsey’s legacy here.” He said he spoke yesterday to both Mrs. Nordone and Mr. McMaster.
Mr. Graham, 71, died unexpectedly Saturday evening in Washington, having just returned from Kyiv.
The District of Columbia’s medical examiner said Mr. Graham’s death was due to an “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” or a tear in the aorta’s inner layer. Such tears are often fatal unless treated instantly. “The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death,” Francisco Diaz added.
An appointment of Ms. Nardone, a mother-of-two who worked professionally to help people with disabilities find employment, would allow for continuity in Mr. Graham’s office while the process to nominate a replacement GOP candidate for the seat unfolds.
Under state law, a special primary must be held to fill the spot, and the filing period will open July 21. The primary will take place August 18, the second Tuesday after the filing period closes.
Ms. Nardone and Mr. Graham had long been close. They were raised in a single backroom of the restaurant-bar-pool hall their parents ran. The late senator, nine years her senior, became her legal guardian after their parents died in close succession. He was 22, and she was 13.
During his 2015 presidential bid, Mr. Graham told C-SPAN his sister would be an asset in a public-facing role. “If she took a role on she would be a great representative of our country. I can’t think of a better person to represent our country in an event than my sister,” he said.
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I absolutely despise political dynasties. Is there not another candidate that is MAGA? And frankly I see a lot of people posting about her early life but as far as I can tell she is a complete cypher as far as her political policy beliefs are. We don't need another Rino like Tim Scott.