South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said that the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Lindsey Graham will be filled by his sister, Darlene Graham Nordan. Graham represented South Carolina in the upper chamber of Congress.
According to McMaster, Darlene Graham Nordan will serve in the post until January 3, 2027, the date when her brother’s current term was due to expire.
The appointment of an interim senator by a governor after the death of a sitting member of Congress is described as standard practice in most U.S. states. Such a senator usually serves either until the end of the deceased lawmaker’s term, if it is close, or until a special election is held.
The report notes that virtually any resident of the state can be appointed as interim senator. Darlene Graham Nordan herself has never been involved in politics, although she repeatedly took part in her brother’s campaigns.
Lindsey Graham reportedly died at the age of 71 from complications related to heart disease. He was described as one of the best-known advocates of a hard-line U.S. policy toward Russia because of its war against Ukraine.
The publication also says Graham’s views were often described as “hawkish.” He had pushed for tougher sanctions against Russia and, according to the report, returned from Kyiv the day before his death.