U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) believes the Governor of South Carolina made the right decision in appointing Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline Graham Nordone to finish the late senator’s term.
Governor Henry McMaster announced the appointment Monday after President Donald Trump made the suggestion on Truth Social.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) died Saturday night from a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said. He was 71. The preliminary cause was aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the D.C. medical examiner.
Emergency crews responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Washington home Saturday evening.
“After we spoke on the phone in the wee hours of Sunday morning and you agreed to serve, through tears,” McMaster said. “I had wondered what you would say, and I was humbled by your quickness to see the duty that you had to serve.”
NEW: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appoints Lindsey Graham's sister Darline Graham Nordone to finish the late senator's term.
"After we spoke on the phone in the wee hours of Sunday morning and you agreed to serve, through tears… I had wondered what you would say, and I… pic.twitter.com/BSqTgGha4E
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 13, 2026
Britt said on X Monday that McMaster made the right decision, and thanked Trump for making the initial recommendation.
“I’m thankful to Governor McMaster for his appointment and President Trump for his steadfast support of Lindsey’s sister, Darline, to serve out the remainder of this Congress. There is no one more fitting to finish Lindsey’s term than Darline, whom he loved dearly and who understands the needs of South Carolinians so deeply,” Britt said. “I stand ready to welcome Darline to the Senate and work alongside her to continue the work of my dear friend. There is no doubt that Lindsey will be smiling down from above as she is sworn in to fight for the state and nation to which he dedicated his life and had his unwavering commitment.”
I’m thankful to Governor McMaster for his appointment and President Trump for his steadfast support of Lindsey’s sister, Darline, to serve out the remainder of this Congress. There is no one more fitting to finish Lindsey’s term than Darline, whom he loved dearly and who…
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) July 13, 2026
Britt was among many in Congress who mourned the passing of Graham, calling him a “dear friend.”
“This is a tremendous loss for our nation, and we’re praying for his sister, family, friends, loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Britt said. “His presence in the Senate cannot be replaced. He will be immensely missed.”
Wesley and I are shocked and deeply saddened.
Lindsey was a true and dear friend, a great leader, and a fierce advocate for the people of South Carolina. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know him, learn from him, and serve alongside him. He not only graciously…
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) July 12, 2026
The filing period for a special primary election begins on July 21, with the special election to follow on August 11. A runoff will be held August 25 if necessary. The general election will still be held November 3.
