by Sharon Rondeau
(Jul. 13, 2026) — Just after 4:00 p.m. EDT, South Carolina Gov. McMaster gave tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday night.
Finishing the tribute, in which he described Graham as “irresistible,” McMaster announced he requested Graham’s younger sister Darline to serve and she had accepted.
Turning over the podium to Darline, she made a brief statement, saying her brother had “always been there for her,” and she would now “be there for him.” “I got this,” she added.
Darline Graham Nordone had been recommended by President Trump for Graham’s replacement, though McMaster said he called the president and asked him for his opinion on the idea.
The siblings lost both parents at a very young age, leaving Darline an orphan at 13. Consequently, her brother, who was attending college at the time, became her legal guardian and assisted in raising her.
Lindsey was the first in his family to go to college and, due to his military service, secured a college education for Darline as well.
Graham was to seek a fifth term in the Senate in November and received Trump’s endorsement in March 2025.