South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to the US Senate on Monday, filling the vacancy left by her brother, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who died over the weekend at age 71. Nordone will serve until the current term expires in January, becoming South Carolina's first female senator.
Graham died Saturday evening after a ruptured aorta caused by arterial hardening, according to preliminary medical examiner findings. McMaster announced the appointment at a Monday press conference.
South Carolina Republicans will hold a special primary on August 11 to select a candidate for the November midterm election to fill the seat permanently. Nordone, described as Graham's younger sister, will not hold the seat beyond the remainder of her brother's term.