Darline Graham Nordone's path from disabilities worker to US senator
Darline Graham Nordone has been appointed to the U.S. Senate to complete the term of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11. She is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate and will serve until January 2027.
Why it matters
This is a significant political appointment following the death of a long-serving U.S. lawmaker, impacting the composition of the Senate.
Hear this story In less than 48 hours, Darline Graham Nordone went from a career helping people with disabilities find jobs to becoming the first woman selected to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
On July 13, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham Nordone to complete the remainder of Sen. Lindsey Graham 's term after the longtime Republican lawmaker unexpectedly died July 11.
Speaking at the state Capitol following her appointment, Graham Nordone signaled she intends to continue the work of her brother who helped raise her after their parents died when she was a child. They were her first public comments since Graham's death.
"Lindsey has always been there for me, and I will be there for him," she said, describing him as an outstanding leader who worked harder than anyone to make the state, country and world better.
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