COLUMBIA - Gov. Henry McMaster today announced the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy created by the passing of her brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. Nordone will be the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
"Lindsey Graham recognized the greatness of America, the seriousness of his work, and also the value of the human and lighthearted spirit," Gov. McMaster said. "He understood the hopes, dreams and needs of his state and delivered for his state every time. Today, under the law, it is my duty and honor to name someone to serve in the place of this extraordinary man for the remainder of his term. It is my honor to ask his little sister, Darline, to finish his work."
A native of Central, South Carolina, Nordone has dedicated her career to public service. Since 2019, she has served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, where she 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, Nordone held roles with Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She has served the people of South Carolina for nearly 30 years.
In addition to her full-time role as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, Nordone currently serves on the South Carolina State Workforce Development Board and is president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.
Nordone earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, and is a Certified Public Manager.
A wife and mother who lives in Lexington, South Carolina, Nordone is the sister of U.S. Sen. Graham.
"Lindsey worked harder than anyone to make our state, country and world better. He loved his family and loved serving this state and the country. He dedicated his life to our country," Nordone said. "It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work, and I promise to work hard every day over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States."
Under Section 7-19-20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the governor is authorized to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate by appointment until a successor is elected.
Nordone will serve until Jan. 3, 2027, when the new Congress convenes following the November 2026 general election.
Because Sen. Graham was the South Carolina Republican Party's nominee for the 2026 U.S. Senate election, state law allows the party to hold a special primary election to nominate a candidate to replace him on the ballot.
Filing for the special primary election will be open from July 21-28, 2026. The special primary will be held Aug. 11, with a runoff, if necessary, on Aug. 25. The general election will proceed as scheduled on Nov. 3, 2026.
Sen. Graham represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003-2026. Before serving in the Senate, he represented South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995-2003. He also served in the South Carolina House of Representatives.