South Carolina's governor names Lindsey Graham's sister to serve out his term
Darline Graham was appointed to fill her late brother’s Senate seat and said she would support the president and continue his work.

SOURCE CHECK
TAP FOR WHYCredibility rates Utah Public Radio, which republished this story. The other scores rate the article itself.
The page carries NPR reporting and identifies NPR through its copyright notice. NPR is an established news organization with substantial reporting and editorial standards.
- Source type — NPR reporting is carried by a public-radio outlet.
- Editorial standards — The article attributes statements and background information to named people and offices.
- Transparency — The page identifies NPR in its copyright notice.
- Author attribution — A named reporter is credited.
The report gives the appointment, timing, and relevant Senate context, with statements attributed to named people and information attributed to the governor’s office. It offers limited discussion of potential objections or competing views, but the story is a straightforward report of a vacancy appointment.
HOW WE SCORE ↗The article includes the appointee’s statement, the governor’s action, and reactions from prominent Republicans, as well as context about the open seat. It does not include critics of the appointment or broader discussion of the selection process.
- Loaded language — The language is generally neutral.
- Source diversity — Several named political figures and the governor’s office are represented, though most are Republicans supportive of the appointment.
- Counterarguments presented — No opposing response to the appointment is included.
- Omitted context — The story does not explain how the appointment process was conducted or whether other candidates were considered.
The report uses straightforward language and presents the appointment and reactions without an evident partisan framing.
- Language tone — Mostly factual and restrained wording.
- Framing — Centers the appointment and its consequences for the Senate seat.
- Source selection — Includes statements from the appointee and supportive political figures, without using them to argue a position.
Republished with credit
Republished from NPR, with credit to the original publisher.
70 stories · 89–90 · updated Oct 6, 2026
This is NPR's own score, and this article is credited to NPR. The host score in the Source Check is Utah Public Radio's.
After Sen. Lindsey Graham died in office, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline, to serve out his term. Darline Graham was sworn in and said she would support the president and continue her brother’s work.
Darline Graham was sworn in as South Carolina’s first woman senator after Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to finish the term of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died in office. The term expires in January, and it is unclear whether Darline Graham will seek a full term. Republicans interested in the seat are expected to run in a special primary on Aug. 11.
At a press conference, Darline Graham said she would work to support the president and carry forward her brother’s efforts. President Trump recommended her for the appointment, and Sen. Tim Scott supported the choice. Several South Carolina Republicans, including Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, have indicated interest in running for the full term. Lindsey Graham’s death could also affect Senate budget and judiciary committee work, including consideration of Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
Community verdict
39 VOTESPeople in this story
SWIPE →Appointed to serve the remainder of her brother’s Senate term
Senator who administered Darline Graham’s swearing-in
Late senator whose term Darline Graham was appointed to finish
Representative mentioned as interested in running for the full Senate term
Trump’s nominee for attorney general, whose nomination was being considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee
President who recommended Darline Graham for the appointment
Representative mentioned as interested in running for the full Senate term
Senator who supported Darline Graham’s appointment
Part of a bigger story
96 OUTLETSOutlets agree South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to complete the Senate term of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, following a recommendation from Donald Trump. Left-leaning outlets focus on nepotism and qualification questions, with Newsone arguing the pick exposes political double standards. Center outlets emphasize the succession process and South Carolina's special election timeline. Right-leaning outlets highlight Donald Trump's backing and praise the appointment as a fitting continuation of Lindsey Graham's legacy.
- ARTICLES
- 125
- OUTLETS
- 96
- AVG CRED
- 70
Discussion · 0
Loading comments…







