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◆ Mixed look for TrumpElections / Campaigns

Trump unveils surprise candidate to fill Lindsey Graham's shoes

Trump publicly recommended that Darline Graham Nordone fill the Senate seat left vacant by her brother’s death.

Trump unveils surprise candidate to fill Lindsey Graham's shoes
Image · Daily Mail

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Outlet credibilityDaily Mail54/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
tl;dr

The article reports that Donald Trump recommended Darline Graham Nordone to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, and says South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her. A special primary is expected to determine who will run against Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

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27 VOTES
How does this story look for
Donald Trump R · President of the United States
● OPEN

People in this story

SWIPE →
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who recommended Darline Graham Nordone for the vacant Senate seat

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Recommended by Trump and reported appointed to fill her late brother’s Senate seat

Graham's version of this story ↗
Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

Late senator whose death left the Senate seat vacant

Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

Representative whose social media post prompted speculation about a Senate campaign

Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

Representative reported to be considering a Senate campaign

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Republican leader who supported considering Nordone for the seat

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

South Carolina senator who expressed support for Nordone

Democratic candidate expected to face the special-primary winner

Trey Gowdy
Former U.S. Representative (R-SC)

Former congressman mentioned as a possible candidate

ALSO MENTIONED  Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor who the article says appointed Nordone; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor who declined to say whether she would run

Part of a bigger story

16 OUTLETS
Darline Graham Nordone's Appointment to Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat

Outlets agree that President Donald Trump recommended Darline Graham Nordone to fill the South Carolina Senate seat left vacant by her late brother, Lindsey Graham, ahead of an interim appointment by Governor Henry McMaster and a special election. Coverage across the spectrum takes a similar approach, focusing on the temporary succession. Left-leaning outlets highlight South Carolina's appointment rules and the upcoming primary. Center outlets report McMaster's appointment and supportive statements from Republican lawmakers. Right-leaning outlets focus on the tribute to Graham and political implications, with HotAir noting it honors the late senator.

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