Graham's SISTER sworn in as South Carolina senator after Trump backs 'wonderful' Darline

New Senate Appointment

Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late US Senator Lindsey Graham, was sworn in as senator for South Carolina on Tuesday, to fill the South Carolina seat left vacant by his death.

“The chair lays before the Senate the certificate of appointment to fill the vacancy created by the death of Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina,” President pro tempore Chuck Grassley said during a ceremony on the Senate floor. Grassley waived the reading of the certificate and then administered the constitutional oath.

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump had taken to social media to express his backing for Nordone. “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!” he posted.

Honouring Brother’s Legacy

Nordone, who was raised by older brother Lyndsey after their parents had died during her teenage years, later noted she intends to “carry forward the efforts of my brother,” and adding a personal message. “I miss you more than I can even put into words, but I’m going to do this,” she remarked.

Known as a staunch supporter of Israel, Graham developed a bill which is being worked to increase economic pressure on Russia, through tariffs on energy producers and sanctions on buyers.

Senator’s Final Chapter

Lyndsey Graham was elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the US House of Representatives. He was completing his fourth Senate term and had previously chaired the Judiciary Committee.

His office initially said he died on July 11 following a ‘brief and sudden illness’. Preliminary medical examiner findings identified an aortic dissection linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with further testing pending.

Article by Viory