Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has been appointed to fill his U.S. Senate seat, following a recommendation from President Donald Trump, Fox News reported. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made the announcement on Monday (July 13), just days after Graham’s unexpected death from an aortic dissection at age 71. Nordone will serve as senator until the term’s end in January, making her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.

Nordone said, “Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him.” The siblings were very close, with Graham becoming her legal guardian after their parents died young.

The appointment came after President Trump publicly urged Governor McMaster to choose Nordone, calling it “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly."

A special election process is now underway. Under South Carolina law, the filing period for the special primary election begins on July 21. The primary is set for August 11, with a potential runoff on August 25. The general election will take place on November 3. However, this tight timeline could conflict with federal requirements for sending ballots to military and overseas voters, which may present legal challenges.

The open seat has led to intense competition among South Carolina Republicans. State Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Representative Nancy Mace, and Representative Ralph Norman are all reportedly interested in running for the seat. Democrat Annie Andrews, who won her party’s nomination last month, has raised significant funds for the race.

Senator Graham was a fixture in the Senate for over two decades, known for his influence and leadership roles. His passing leaves a notable gap in South Carolina’s representation. Senator Tim Scott called Graham “irreplaceable” and said, “America lost a statesman, but I lost a friend.”

Nordone is expected to be sworn in on Wednesday (July 15), continuing her brother’s legacy as the campaign for his permanent successor begins.