Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Lindsey Graham, picked to fulfill remainder of his US Senate term; Thune says oath of office will be given Tuesday

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has named Darline Graham Nordone as her late brother, Lindsey Graham’s, temporary replacement in the U.S. Senate. Graham died at age 71 over the weekend. Nordone will serve the remaining months of his term, which ends in January. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Nordone will be sworn in Tuesday afternoon (July 14, 2026). A special election next month will determine the new Republican nominee for Graham’s seat. The open seat has sparked interest among South Carolina’s conservatives. A special primary election is scheduled for Aug. 11, with a runoff on Aug. 25 if needed. The general election will take place on Nov. 3.