COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term in the U.S. Senate.
The appointment takes effect immediately; Graham Nordone is scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday afternoon, according to two people familiar with the plan who spoke to NBC News.
What this means for residents
Graham’s sudden death left the seat vacant for the remainder of the current term, which runs through early January. Under state law, the governor may name an interim senator to serve until a successor is chosen in a special election. McMaster said the appointment honors the late senator and maintains South Carolina’s representation in Washington.
“Today, under the law, it’s my duty and honor to name someone to serve in the place of this irresistible man, this irreplaceable man, this extraordinary man, for the remainder of his term,” McMaster said at a Statehouse news conference.
Graham Nordone addressed reporters and thanked McMaster for the selection, saying she felt it was an honor and a way to continue her brother’s work.
Special election schedule
The South Carolina Election Commission has released a timeline for the special election to choose who will hold the Senate seat beginning next year. Key dates released by election officials include:
- Candidate filing period: noon July 21 to noon July 28
- Early voting for the special primary: Aug. 5–7
- Special primary election: Aug. 11
- Runoff (if needed): Aug. 25
The winner of the GOP primary process will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election. Several third-party candidates already listed include Libertarians Jason Brenkus and Kasie Whitener and Constitution Party candidate Mark Hackett.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 21–28 | Candidate filing window |
| Aug. 5–7 | Early voting for special primary |
| Aug. 11 | Special primary election |
| Aug. 25 | Runoff (if necessary) |
Potential candidates and political context
The filing period opens next week, and a number of Republicans have been mentioned as possible entrants. Businessman Mark Lynch has announced plans to run in the Republican primary; Lynch challenged Graham earlier this year. House members Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette have been named in media reports as possible contenders, though none have formally filed with the election commission as of Monday.
Former President Donald Trump publicly recommended Graham Nordone for the interim appointment on his social platform, calling the selection a tribute to the late senator.
Graham had served in the Senate since 2003. The appointment and accelerated election timetable ensure South Carolina voters will have a direct say in who represents them in the next full Senate term.
State and federal officials at the Statehouse joined McMaster Monday as he announced the appointment. Local residents interested in running should note the narrow filing window and the early-August primary schedule established by the Election Commission.
Reporting from Columbia. — Delia Hayward, South Carolina correspondent
