Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in Monday to serve the remainder of her brother's term in the U.S. Senate [1].
The appointment marks a historic shift for the state, as Nordone is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate [2].
Nordone took the oath of office in the U.S. Senate chamber in Washington, D.C. [3]. The ceremony occurred on July 13, 2026 [4]. Her appointment fills the vacancy created by the death of her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham [5].
According to reports, Nordone was sworn in three days after her brother died [6]. The transition ensures that South Carolina maintains its full representation in the upper chamber during the current legislative session, a critical period for federal policy decisions.
While some initial reports indicated she was expected to be sworn in, subsequent confirmations from the Associated Press and other outlets verified that the process was completed [3, 7].
Nordone now assumes the responsibilities of the seat for the duration of the remaining term. The appointment follows the legal protocols for filling sudden vacancies in the Senate, allowing the state to avoid a prolonged period without a voice in Washington [5].
“Darline Graham Nordone is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.”
The appointment of Darline Graham Nordone prevents a power vacuum in South Carolina's federal representation. By installing a family member to complete the term, the seat remains occupied without the immediate need for a special election, though her status as the state's first female senator creates a significant historical precedent for the region's political landscape.
