Lauren Gambino

Darline Graham Nordone was appointed by South Carolina governor Henry McMaster to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. The decision follows a tradition of temporary family appointments and makes her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Tributes highlighted her close lifelong connection to her brother, whose political career she supported. Nordone pledged to continue his work during a period marked by major legislative challenges and U.S. involvement in conflict with Iran. Her appointment comes amid speculation about candidates for the upcoming special election, though she is not expected to run for the seat permanently. Prior to this role, she served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and held various state and university positions.