The South Carolina Senate seat left vacant by the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham has been filled by his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, in a move supported by President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a close ally of the president, appointed Nordone to the seat on Monday afternoon, just nearly 48 hours after her brother's death from an aortic dissection.
Nordone's appointment comes after Trump advocated for her to fill the position, describing her as his "wonderful sister" in a post to social media on Monday morning.
While Nordone has been largely out of the public eye, she has worked with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind as commissioner, according to the organization's budget.
Nordone has not previously held elected office, but her appointment fills the seat through January 3, while voters decide in November who will hold the seat for the next six-year term.
It remains unclear if Nordone would consider running for a full six-year term, but several Republican lawmakers are already eyeing a bid in the special election, set for August 11.
Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, both Republicans from South Carolina, are among those considering a run, which would add competition to the already competitive election.
The loss of Graham's seat has narrowed Republicans' Senate majority, adding pressure to keep every GOP vote available, especially with Sen. Mitch McConnell still recovering after a fall and pneumonia.
Sen. Tim Scott, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have both expressed support for Nordone's appointment, citing her connection to her brother and her understanding of his legacy.
The filing period for a special primary election begins on July 21, with the special election to follow on August 11, and a runoff, if needed, would be held on August 25.
