South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term in the U.S. Senate following his death at the age of 71.

Darline Graham will be sworn into office on Tuesday and is expected to serve only for several months until South Carolina voters elect a permanent successor through a special election.

Temporary Appointment Following Lindsey Graham’s Death

Lindsey Graham, a longtime Republican senator and influential voice on foreign policy and national security, died unexpectedly while still serving in office.

Because Graham had already secured the Republican nomination for reelection earlier this year, South Carolina law now requires a special election to determine who will serve the new Senate term beginning next year.

The Republican primary for that election is scheduled for August 11.

It remains unclear whether Darline Graham plans to seek election for a full Senate term.

“I Will Be There for Him”

During Monday’s announcement, Darline Graham reflected on the close relationship she shared with her brother.

“Lindsey has always been there for me and now I will be there for him,” she said.

She pledged to continue her brother’s work, saying she intends to support President Donald Trump’s agenda while representing the people of South Carolina during her temporary service in the Senate.

President Trump publicly endorsed the appointment shortly after Senator Graham’s death, describing it as a fitting tribute to one of his closest political allies.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott also appeared alongside Gov. McMaster during the announcement and voiced support for the appointment.

A Career in Public Service

Although Darline Graham has never held elected office, she has extensive experience in public service.

Since 2019, she has served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, where she has worked to expand employment opportunities and promote greater independence for South Carolinians who are blind or have low vision.

She also serves on the South Carolina State Workforce Development Board and is president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.

A Lifelong Family Bond

The Graham siblings shared a deeply personal history.

After the deaths of both parents while Lindsey Graham was in college, he became his younger sister’s legal guardian and later adopted her, helping raise her after their family’s loss.

Over the years, Darline Graham frequently appeared alongside her brother during campaign events, including his 2016 presidential campaign.

Race for the Senate Seat Begins

Attention now shifts to the special election that will determine who succeeds Lindsey Graham for a full Senate term.

Several prominent South Carolina Republicans have already expressed interest in running, including U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman.

In the meantime, Darline Graham will assume Senate responsibilities during a period when Lindsey Graham’s committee assignments—including leadership on the Senate Budget Committee and membership on the Judiciary Committee—remain especially significant as Congress considers major legislative and judicial priorities.