Darline Graham Nordone to be sworn in as successor to late Senator Lindsey Graham

Death of Senator Lindsey Graham·Latest event July 28, 2026

Jul 14

Darline Graham Nordone to be sworn in as successor to late Senator Lindsey Graham

Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to fill the vacancy following the death of her brother. Senator Tommy Tuberville said Graham reported chest pains and requested emergency services shortly before he died. Medical reports confirmed the senator passed away from an aortic dissection after returning from an overseas trip. Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through July 18 to honor the long-serving senator. Analysts suggest Graham's absence creates uncertainty for U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and pending sanctions against Russia. The loss of a key power broker and the absence of Mitch McConnell threaten the broader Republican legislative agenda.

Lindsey Graham's Sister To Be Sworn In Tuesday To Fill His Senate SeatSen. Lindsey Graham told his scheduler he had 'chest pains' and to call 911'Did you call 911?' Tuberville recounts Graham's frantic final phone call

Jul 14

Senate Republicans mourn Graham as Trump questions cause of death

Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the late senator as the glue of the Republican Party. Colleagues remembered him as the Senate's happiest warrior. However, Trump raised questions about whether Russia poisoned the senator. Medical reports previously attributed the death to an aortic dissection following a trip to Ukraine. Trump ordered all U.S. flags to fly at half-staff through July 18 to honor Graham's service. Meanwhile, some allies of the president began eyeing the hawkish void left by his passing. These members seek to shift the party away from the interventionist foreign policy Graham championed for decades.

MAJORITY LEADER THUNE: Lindsey Graham was the GOP's glue, binding us together with courage and graceRIP Lindsey Graham, the Senate's happiest warriorTrump's America First allies are eyeing the hawkish void Graham leaves behind

Jul 14

Graham's death leaves foreign policy void as GOP colleagues share final details

Senate colleagues shared details of Graham's final moments following his death at age 71 from apparent chest pains. His passing removes a prominent national security hawk. He served as a primary advocate for interventionist foreign policy and strong U.S. support for Israel. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to finish the term, creating a rare political scenario in Washington. Trump ordered all U.S. flags to fly at half-staff through July 18 to honor the long-serving senator.

GOP senator shares details of Lindsey Graham's final momentsLindsey Graham's Sister Appointed To Finish His TermLindsey Graham's Death Creates Rare Political Scenario That's Gripping DC

Jul 13

Senate Colleagues Honor Lindsey Graham as Sister Takes His Seat

Senate leaders expressed support for the decision to name Darline Graham Nordone as the successor to her late brother. Senator John Thune delivered a tearful tribute on the Senate floor, stating the chamber already feels empty. Other members described the appointment as a touching gesture that ensures the continuation of the Graham legacy in Washington. Reports indicated that Graham remained in high spirits shortly before his death at age 71, even joking about his health hours earlier. Nordone will fill the vacancy left by her brother as the state reflects on Graham's life of service.

Senate Leadership Statement on Nordone AppointmentMember Reaction to Governor McMaster's DecisionThune Honors Lindsey Graham as Sister Takes SeatGraham Joked About Health Hours Before DeathLindsey Graham: A Life of Service

Jul 13

McMaster appoints Darline Graham Nordone to fill Lindsey Graham's Senate seat

Governor Henry McMaster unveiled his pick to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Darline Graham Nordone, the late senator's sister, will serve the remainder of the term through January 2027. McMaster made the announcement as the Senate convened for the first time since Graham's passing. Nordone accepted the appointment through tears. The appointment follows a proclamation by Trump ordering flags to be flown at half-staff. Trump had previously recommended Nordone for the position. Republican leaders moved quickly to fill the seat to protect their narrow majority in the chamber. Nordone will represent South Carolina as an interim senator until the term concludes.

South Carolina Gov. McMaster unveils pick to succeed late Sen. Lindsey Graham for remainder of his termLindsey Graham's sister, Darline, will serve out his Senate termLindsey Graham's Sister Named Interim Senator: She Accepted 'Through Tears'