Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to fulfill remainder of his term in U.S. Senate
Following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister has been appointed to serve the remainder of his term in the U.S. Senate. She is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.
Why it matters
This appointment marks a significant political transition in South Carolina and highlights the unique circumstances of filling a sudden Senate vacancy.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced at a news conference at the state house on Monday that Nordone would serve the remaining months on Graham's current term, which expires in January. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said afterward that she will be sworn in Tuesday afternoon.
Nordone will be the first woman to represent the state in the Senate.
"It is such an honour," Nordone said, as dozens of Graham staffers and campaign advisers stood behind her, some with eyes glassy from welling tears. "Lindsey has always been there for me. And now, I will be there for him."
Graham died on Saturday night at age 71 . He never married or had a family of his own, but Nordone was often by her brother's side for the political touch points of his career, speaking at events and appearing in some of his campaign ads.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in