Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., walks to the stage before his announcement for presidency on Monday, June 1, 2015, in Central, S.C.
Rainier Ehrhardt | AP
President Donald Trump on Monday urged South Carolina’s governor to appoint late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill his Senate seat through the rest of the year.
Graham, 71, died unexpectedly on Saturday, leaving an opening for the seat through the end of his term.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Trump posted on TruthSocial.
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster has the authority to name an interim replacement to finish Graham’s term. McMaster has a press conference scheduled Monday afternoon to reflect on Graham’s life and announce the interim appointment.
Graham was an influential figure in the Senate for more than two decades and a key Trump ally. His death could complicate GOP priorities in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority, making an interim appointment key for leaders in the chamber and the White House.
At the time of his death, Graham was seeking another six-year term, and a crowded field of potential candidates is emerging for a special primary election that according to a state law would be held Aug. 11. The winner of that special primary would face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election this November.
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter has labeled the race “Solid R.”
Much of South Carolina’s House delegation, which includes only one Democrat, has signaled their interest. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, both of whom launched failed gubernatorial bids earlier this year, have said they could run. Rep. William Timmons, in a post to X on Sunday, didn’t rule out a try at the Senate seat. And Reps. Russell Fry and Joe Wilson have also been floated as potential candidates.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who earned Trump’s endorsement in her own failed bid for governor, could enter the fray.
And McMaster, who is termed out as governor at the end of this year, has also been floated as a potential long-term replacement for Graham in the Senate.
In an interview on Sunday with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump heaped praise on the South Carolina governor.
“Henry’s been a great governor, you know now he’s termed out, but he’s going to do the right thing,” Trump said. “I think Henry will be fantastic.”
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