Darline Graham has officially been sworn in as a United States senator following the death of her younger brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, over the weekend.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to complete the remainder of the late senator’s term, which runs until January 2027. Her appointment also makes her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
A special Republican primary election is scheduled for August 11, while the winner of the November general election will serve the next full six-year Senate term.
Speaking briefly after taking the oath of office, Graham thanked supporters and said she was doing her best to cope with the loss of her brother.
Although she has never held elected office, the 62-year-old has spent years in public service. She previously served as a commissioner with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and has been actively involved in advocating for people living with disabilities.
Graham’s early life was marked by tragedy after both of her parents died within 15 months of each other, leaving her orphaned at the age of 13. Her brother, Lindsey Graham, became her legal guardian while pursuing his education and military training.
The siblings remained very close throughout their lives, with Darline previously describing her brother as someone who had cared for her from childhood.
Lindsey Graham, a veteran Republican senator from South Carolina and a close ally of President Donald Trump, died at the age of 71 after suffering an aortic dissection, according to preliminary findings from the medical examiner.
The appointment follows a long-standing tradition in American politics where governors occasionally appoint relatives to temporarily fill vacant Senate seats. Similar appointments have occurred in the past involving figures such as Muriel Humphrey, Hattie Caraway, Lincoln Chafee and Lisa Murkowski.
The swearing-in ceremony drew a large number of lawmakers and government officials, reflecting the respect Lindsey Graham commanded during his years in the Senate.
Among those present were senior Republican and Democratic senators, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and members of South Carolina’s congressional delegation.
During the ceremony, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer greeted Darline Graham, while Senators Katie Britt and Tim Scott escorted her to the dais, where she took the oath of office administered by Senator Chuck Grassley.
The Senate chamber responded with a standing ovation after the oath, and many lawmakers lined up to welcome Graham as she officially assumed her new role.
