Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly over the weekend at age 71. The unexpected death shocked Capitol Hill and shrank the small Republican majority in the Senate. Graham passed away while in the midst of a campaign for a fifth term.
The vacancy ignited a scramble among South Carolina Republicans to prepare for a special primary election to replace him on the GOP ticket. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster was tasked with selecting a temporary replacement to serve the remainder of the term.
President Donald Trump recommended that Governor McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the late senator's sister. Trump stated that the appointment would be a fabulous tribute to Graham, who loved his sister dearly.
Governor McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone to fulfill the rest of the term, which expires in January. Top Republicans coalesced around the selection to fill the seat following the senator's sudden passing.