Senator Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the United States Senate when she accepted Governor Henry McMaster’s appointment to fill her late brother’s term and was sworn in at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14 by Senator Chuck Grassley. She will serve through January 3, 2027.

Nordone, a native of Central who currently lives in Lexington, has served as Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind for the past seven years and is President-Elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. She previously worked for Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the College of Charleston and a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, and she is a Certified Public Manager.

During the Monday, July 13 press conference, when Governor McMaster announced Nordone’s appointment, he thanked all who had come and stated, “This is an important day in South Carolina’s history.

“We meet in sadness over the loss of one of South Carolina’s greatest sons, yet we also gather together to celebrate what this self-described ‘poor boy from a small rural town in South Carolina’ accomplished through grit, determination, and character, for his state, for his country, and for his world.

“Lindsey recognized the greatness of America and her obligations to a dangerous world. Lindsey Graham recognized the seriousness of his work, but also the value of humor and a lighthearted spirit. Lindsey Graham understood the hopes, dreams, and needs of his state and delivered for his state every time. Presidents, paupers, famous are forgotten. He treated us all the same. We have seen him attack evil and injustice and embrace friendship and the common good with equal fervor and strength.

“Yes, we are going to miss Lindsey, but we will always remember his quickness, his laugh, and what he has done for us and the world — as he described himself, this poor boy from a little town in South Carolina.

“Today, under the law, it is 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. Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed. It is my honor to ask his little sister, Darlene Graham, to finish his work for him now.

“And, by the way, Darline, after we spoke on the phone in the wee hours of Sunday morning, and you agreed to serve, through tears, earlier I had wondered what you would say, and I was humbled by your quickness to see the duty that you had to serve.”

Nordone thanked Governor McMaster and thanked everyone who had reached out to her over the past two days. “I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me and my family. I know Lindsey was loved and respected by many, and I greatly appreciate the memories and even the funny stories that have been shared. These shared experiences along with our faith have gotten us through these past two very difficult days.

“Next, I want to thank the Governor for selecting me to serve the remainder of Lindsey’s term. It is such an honor. Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him.

“My brother was the most amazing person, outstanding leader, and just a genuinely good man. He was kind and considerate and loved by his family dearly. As I think everyone would agree, Lindsey worked harder than anyone. He worked non-stop to make our state, country, and world better. He loved his family and loved serving this state and our country. He dedicated his life to our country. It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work.” She promised to work hard over the next several months in carrying forward her late brother’s efforts on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.

“I know Lindsey thought the world of his staff and colleagues and, with their support, I feel confident. I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way.

“Now, to Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words. But I’m going to do this. I got it. Thank you.”

Due to the passing of Senator Graham (who had won the Republican Primary election in June), a special Republican primary election will be held on Tuesday, August 11. If a runoff election is necessary, it will be held on Tuesday, August 25. Filing for candidates will begin at noon on Tuesday, July 21 and will end at noon on Tuesday, July 28. The winner of the August Republican Primary election will face the Democratic nominee, Dr. Annie Andrews, in the General Election in November.

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Friday, July 31. Early voting for the special Republican Primary will be Wednesday, August 5 through Friday, August 7. Early voting for the Special Republican Primary Runoff, if necessary, will be Wednesday, August 19 through Friday, August 21.