Lindsey Graham’s sister will temporarily take his seat in the U.S. Senate after the 71-year-old’s sudden passing this weekend.
Governor Henry McMaster made the announcement Monday, saying he’d called Darline Graham Sunday, the day after her brother’s death, and that she’d tearfully accepted.
“Today, under the law, it’s my duty and honor to name someone to serve in the place of this irresistible man,” said Gov. McMaster as he invited Darline Graham to the podium.
The mother of two asked for patience as she tried to gather her thoughts but quickly quipped, “I’ve never heard Lindsey described as irresistible.” There was laughter.
Darline and Lindsey grew up close in the small town of Central, S.C. They lost both their parents when she was just 13 and he became her legal guardian.
“Lindsey has always been there for me and now I will be there for him,” she said.
For the past seven years, Graham has served as the Commissioner for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. She’s also worked at the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department.
And she’s been seen through the years supporting her brother in campaign ads. He’d just won the June primary as he sought re-election.
“It is such a privilege to get to finish some of his important work,” she said. “I promise to work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forth the efforts of my brother on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina and the United States.”
President Donald Trump posted on social media just hours before the announcement that appointing Darline would be “a fabulous tribute” to Graham.
She believes this is what Lindsey would have wanted and addressed him as she accepted the honor.
“I miss you more than I can even put into words but I’m going to do this,” she said. “I got it.”
Graham will serve out her brother’s term until January as a special primary election gets underway. Filing for potential candidates begins next week with the election in August.
The longtime U.S. Senator died Saturday in Washington, D.C. The medical examiner says the cause was aortic dissection due to cardiovascular disease.
