Darline Graham was sworn in Tuesday to complete the Senate term of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate after his sudden death over the weekend.
President Trump endorsed Graham for the appointment before South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster officially named her to complete the remainder of her late brother’s Senate term on Monday. Sen. Chuck Grassley administered the oath of office Tuesday as senators from both parties stood in attendance.
Although she has never held elected office, Graham has served since 2019 as a commissioner on the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and previously worked at Clemson University and in South Carolina state government. After their parents died when she was a child, Lindsey Graham became her legal guardian and helped raise her.
Speaking after taking the oath, Graham called it an “honor” to succeed her older brother in the Senate. She said he had always been there for her and vowed, “Now, I will be there for him,” adding that she plans to honor his legacy during the remainder of his term.
Lindsey Graham died Saturday at age 71 after what officials said was an aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease. South Carolina Republicans are expected to choose a nominee in a special primary next month ahead of the November election, while Darline Graham will serve in the Senate until a successor is elected.
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Related:
Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After Decades of Public Service
