Payam Javan: Darline Graham Nordone was sworn into the United States Senate on July 14, 2026, representing South Carolina. Appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster on July 13, Nordone fills the vacancy left by her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11 at the age of 71. With her swearing-in, Nordone becomes the first female senator to represent South Carolina in the nation’s history.
Nordone is scheduled to complete the remainder of her brother’s term, which is set to expire on January 3, 2027. While she has committed to carrying out the duties of the office over the coming months, she has not yet indicated whether she intends to run for a full term. To determine who will represent the Republican Party on the ballot for the upcoming full term, a special election is scheduled for August, with the winner slated to face Democratic candidate Dr. Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Although Nordone has never held an elected public office prior to this appointment, she brings a background in state public service and administration. Since 2019, she has served as the commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, a full-time role dedicated to helping low-vision and blind residents secure employment and independence. Additionally, she holds a seat on the South Carolina State Workforce Development Board and serves as the president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.
The transition comes during a period of mourning for Nordone, who shared a close personal bond with her late brother. Following the deaths of their parents within a short timeframe during their youth, Graham took on a parental role, supporting and raising his younger sister. During her appointment announcement, Nordone expressed deep gratitude for her brother’s lifelong support and leadership, promising to work diligently to carry forward his legislative legacy and support the administration’s goals during her interim tenure.
Her appointment followed a public recommendation from President Donald Trump, who urged Governor McMaster on social media to select Nordone as a tribute to the late senator. McMaster acted swiftly on the recommendation, finalizing the appointment just days after Graham’s passing. Nordone’s background also includes prior professional roles at Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, alongside holding a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.
