Darline Graham sworn in to finish Lindsey Graham’s Senate term

Darline Graham, the younger sister of late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, has been sworn in to complete the remainder of her brother’s term, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.

Graham was sworn in Tuesday after Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to fill the vacancy. She will serve until January 3, 2027, when the new Congress convenes following the November general election.

Lindsey Graham died Saturday evening at the age of 71 after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. Preliminary findings showed that he suffered an aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease.

McMaster said he spoke with Darline Graham on Sunday morning and she agreed to complete her brother’s term. President Trump had endorsed her for the appointment.

“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,” Graham said.

Graham, who lives in Lexington, has served since 2019 as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, where she has worked to expand employment opportunities and independence for people who are blind or have low vision.

She previously held positions with Clemson University and two state agencies, the Department of Employment and Workforce and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Her career in public service spans nearly 30 years.

Lindsey Graham represented South Carolina in the Senate for more than 23 years and had been the Republican nominee for another term in the November election. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003.

The South Carolina Republican Party will hold a special primary on August 11 to select a replacement nominee for the November 3 election. A runoff, if necessary, will be held on August 25.