Darline Graham stood in the Senate chamber Tuesday morning and raised her hand to take the oath of office, becoming the first woman to ever represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. It was only three days since her brother, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, died at age 71.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to complete the remainder of Lindsey's term, which runs through January 3. The decision came swiftly, backed by Donald Trump's endorsement, and was formalized at a press conference Monday in Columbia.
Senator Chuck Grassley administered the oath as Darline placed her hand on a bible and pledged to "support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." When she finished speaking, the chamber burst into extended applause.
Republican senators Tim Scott, now South Carolina's senior senator following Lindsey's death, and Katie Britt of Alabama flanked her as she entered the chamber.
McMaster framed the appointment as a family matter and a continuation of legacy. "Lindsey took care of his little sister in years long departed," the governor said. "It's my honor to ask his little sister, Darline Graham, to finish his work for him now."
In her own brief statement Monday, Darline emphasized continuity. "I promise to work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States," she said. "I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way."
Darline has no prior experience in elected office, but she has held government positions. Since 2019, she served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Before that, she worked at Clemson University and in two state agencies. She has also been a steady presence in her brother's political orbit as his national profile expanded.
The appointment is temporary. South Carolina Republicans will hold a special nominating convention on August 11 to select a candidate for the seat. That nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election. Lindsey had just won the Republican primary nomination for a fifth term before his death.
Author James Rodriguez: "It's a remarkable moment for South Carolina politics, but the real test comes this summer when the state GOP has to find someone to actually win back the seat in November."
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