Washington — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline Graham Nordone to finish his Senate term, which ends in January.
“Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed. It’s my honor to ask his little sister Darline Graham to finish his work for him now,” McMaster said at an emotional news conference to announce to his appointment for the vacant seat left by Graham’s death.
Graham Nordone will be able to serve until at least Jan. 3, when a new Congress convenes.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him,” Graham Nordone said, calling it a “privilege to get to finish some of his important work.”
AP Photo/Sean Rayford 
President Trump, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and others had voiced their support for Graham Nordone. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told CNN that selecting Graham’s sister “makes a lot of sense.”
McMaster said he broached the subject of Graham Nordone filling her brother’s seat shortly after his death, and that she quickly accepted.
Graham took legal guardianship of his sister when he was 22 and she was 13, after both of their parents died within 15 months of each other.
Graham was also running for reelection this fall, and a special Republican primary election will be held on Aug. 11 to determine who will replace him on the ballot. The candidate who wins in November will secure a full six-year term.
Graham died Saturday at the age of 71, and a medical examiner’s preliminary findings suggested the cause was aortic dissection, which involves a tear in the main artery from the heart.
Through the years, Graham Nordone has been active in supporting Graham’s political ambitions, attending his political and official events.
AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File 
On Monday morning, Mr. Trump threw his endorsement behind Graham’s younger sister to serve the rest of his term.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”
Scott told “CBS Mornings” that Graham Nordone “would be a wonderful placeholder.” Scott has spoken to Graham Nordone multiple times over the past 24 hours, a source familiar with the talks told CBS News. Scott was on hand for the announcement later Monday.