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● InformationalVoting Rights

Darline Graham Norton, sister of Lindsey Graham, picked to fulfill remainder of his Senate term

Graham’s death left the remainder of his Senate term open and prompted a special election.

SOURCE CHECK

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Outlet credibilityThe Philadelphia Inquirer80/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026

Credibility rates The Philadelphia Inquirer, where this article appeared. The other scores rate the article itself.

Cites Associated Press

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Associated Press96/100 HIGH

457 stories · 96–97 · updated Oct 5, 2026

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The Philadelphia Inquirercites Associated Press
Jul 13, 2026
tl;dr

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to serve the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s Senate term after his death. A special election is planned, but the article notes questions about the compressed primary calendar and overseas ballot deadlines.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Lindsey Graham Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Graham in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Graham’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

South Carolina senator whose death created the vacancy

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Appointed to serve the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s Senate term

Graham's version of this story ↗
Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

South Carolina representative considering a run for the Senate seat

Russell Fry
R · SC-7

South Carolina representative identified as a possible Senate candidate

Democratic opponent Lindsey Graham defeated in 2020

Mark Lynch
R · SC

Businessperson and former primary opponent of Lindsey Graham, mentioned as a possible candidate

Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

South Carolina representative who may seek the Senate seat

Scott Bessent
R · Secretary of the Treasury

Treasury secretary who was contacted about potentially replacing Graham

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

South Carolina senator who praised Graham as a friend and statesman

Democratic nominee for the Senate seat

ALSO MENTIONED  Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general and Republican gubernatorial nominee; Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor who appointed Darline Graham Nordone; Mark Sanford, Former South Carolina governor and former U.S. representative considering a run; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor and potential Senate candidate

Part of a bigger story

30 OUTLETS
McMaster Appoints Lindsey Graham’s Sister to Senate Seat

After Lindsey Graham’s death, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve the remainder of his Senate term. Left-leaning outlets focus on Graham’s past role in Supreme Court confirmation fights and Republican efforts to shape the Court. Center outlets emphasize Nordone’s appointment and swearing-in, often alongside the siblings’ relationship and the succession process. Right-leaning outlets connect Graham’s death to broader turnover in the Senate GOP, while one account presents his sister’s appointment as a tribute to his service.

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