South Carolina's governor announced he will appoint Darline Graham Nordone to serve out the Senate term of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, a choice endorsed by top Republicans including President Trump.
Key facts
- South Carolina's governor is appointing Darline Graham Nordone to the state's vacant U.S. Senate seat.
- Nordone will finish the term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
- Top Republicans, including President Trump, have coalesced around the appointment, according to NPR.
- Graham's death triggered a scramble among South Carolina Republicans ahead of a special primary election, according to CNBC.
South Carolina’s governor said he is appointing Darline Graham Nordone to complete the U.S. Senate term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, according to NPR.
The choice has drawn support from leading Republicans. NPR reported that top Republicans, including President Trump, have coalesced around the pick to fill the seat on an interim basis.
Graham’s death set off a scramble among South Carolina Republicans, according to CNBC, as the party prepares for a special primary election to select a candidate to replace him on the GOP ticket.
The appointment of Nordone provides an immediate answer to who will hold the seat in the interim period, while the longer-term contest to fill it plays out through the special primary process described by CNBC.
Neither source provided additional detail about Nordone’s background, the timeline for the special primary, or when she would be sworn in.
Why it matters
A U.S. Senate seat carries significant influence over federal legislation and confirmations, so how a vacancy is filled matters well beyond one state. The rapid coalescing of top Republicans, including President Trump, around the appointment signals party unity as South Carolina heads toward a competitive special primary.
Frequently asked questions
Who is being appointed to Lindsey Graham's Senate seat?
According to NPR, South Carolina's governor is appointing Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to finish his term.
Why is the seat vacant?
The seat is vacant following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, which CNBC reports triggered a scramble among South Carolina Republicans.
What happens next for the seat?
CNBC reports that South Carolina Republicans are preparing for a special primary election to choose a candidate to replace Graham on the GOP ticket.