Darline Graham was sworn in to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, becoming the first woman ever to represent South Carolina in the chamber. Her appointment came one day earlier, when South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster named her as a Republican to fill the seat left vacant by the death of her brother, longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham.
A Swift Appointment Following an Unexpected Death
Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly over the weekend. Washington, D.C.’s medical examiner released preliminary findings attributing his death to aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The senator had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine before his passing.
Graham had served in the U.S. Senate for more than two decades and had secured the Republican primary in June as he sought a fifth Senate term. His death set off a rapid succession process in the Palmetto State.
President Donald Trump recommended Darline Graham for the appointment just hours before McMaster acted, and the governor moved quickly — naming her the following day. Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, the Iowa Republican, administered the oath of office during a reenactment ceremony held in the historic Old Senate Chamber.
Who Is Darline Graham?
Darline Graham currently leads the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Her appointment is historic: no woman has previously held a U.S. Senate seat from South Carolina. She will serve alongside the state’s other Republican senator, Tim Scott, until January, when Lindsey Graham’s term officially expires.
Race to Fill the Seat
With the seat set to turn over in January, South Carolina Republicans will hold a special primary on Aug. 11 to select a nominee for the November general election. If no candidate clears the threshold, a runoff is set for Aug. 25. Democratic candidate Dr. Annie Andrews is already in place to face whichever Republican emerges from that process.
Darline Graham’s appointment is not expected to shift the Senate’s partisan balance — South Carolina has trended heavily Republican in federal races — but her brief tenure marks a notable milestone for the state regardless of outcome in November.
