Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of late Sen. Lindsey Graham, was sworn in to complete his term in the Senate. She was administered the oath of office by Senate president pro tempore Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Tuesday afternoon, marking the beginning of her tenure as a US senator.
As the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate, Darline Graham Nordone will serve until Lindsey Graham's successor is sworn in on January 3, 2027. Her appointment was made by South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday, two days after Lindsey Graham's sudden death at the age of 71. The 62-year-old wife, mother of two, and grandmother has dedicated her career to public service, having served as Commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind (SCCB) since 2019.
During her tenure as SCCB Commissioner, Darline Graham Nordone has worked to expand opportunities for South Carolinians who are blind or have low vision to achieve employment and independence. Prior to her appointment as commissioner, she held roles with Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for nearly 30 years. Nordone has a bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston as well as a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling and is a Certified Public Manager.
In a statement, Governor McMaster's office described Darline Graham Nordone as someone who has "dedicated her career to public service." She will earn a salary of $174,000 per year as a US senator, a pro-rated amount from her current salary as agency head of the SCCB. President Trump and several South Carolina GOP lawmakers had backed Nordone to take up her brother's mantle prior to McMaster's announcement. Trump wrote on Truth Social, "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!"
Congress has a long history of family members stepping up under tragic circumstances to succeed their loved ones in office. There have been eight cases of widows replacing their late husbands in the Senate and 39 instances of the same dynamic in the House, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. The South Carolina Republican Party will hold a special primary on August 11 to replace Graham on the November ballot.
Darline Graham Nordone's appointment marks a significant moment in the Senate's history, as she becomes the first woman to represent South Carolina in the chamber. As she serves out the remainder of her brother's term, Nordone has pledged to work hard to support the president and carry forward the efforts of her brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.
Source: NYPOST
Related Stories
Karma President releases another doom prophecy about UTV’s Abena Kyei Boakye despite call for his arrest
Farmer Who Killed Teen Suspected of Burglary Will Not Face Criminal Charges
’23-Year-Old Ghanaian Doctor Nana Kwasi Ampofo Honoured by FIFA for World Cup Volunteer Work’
If he wanted to flee, he wouldn’t have returned to Ghana – Martin Kpebu on Miracles Aboagye’s GH¢50m bail
I remained loyal to the NPP despite my suspension – Paul Afoko
