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Trump says South Carolina governor should appoint Lindsey Graham's sister to finish his term

Graham’s death leaves Senate Republicans without a prominent ally as they return to a difficult agenda.

Trump says South Carolina governor should appoint Lindsey Graham's sister to finish his term
Image · WMUR

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Outlet credibilityWMUR76/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026

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

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WMURcites Associated Press
Jul 13, 2026
tl;dr

Sen. Lindsey Graham died after a tear in his aorta, leaving Senate Republicans to navigate a reduced majority and an uncertain agenda. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as a temporary replacement.

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

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

South Carolina senator whose death leaves a vacancy and affects Senate Republicans’ agenda

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose disputes with Senate Republicans and legislative demands shape the agenda

Trump's version of this story ↗
Chuck Grassley
R · IA · SEN

Iowa senator who urged the Senate to pass the sanctions bill in Graham’s honor

Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

South Carolina representative mentioned as a possible temporary replacement for Graham

Russell Fry
R · SC-7

South Carolina representative mentioned as a possible temporary replacement for Graham

Todd Blanche
R · Attorney General

Trump’s pick for attorney general whose confirmation is on the Senate agenda

Mitch McConnell
R · KY · SEN

Kentucky senator whose absence and health update add to uncertainty in the Senate

Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

South Carolina representative mentioned as a possible temporary replacement for Graham

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who paid tribute to Graham

Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Graham’s sister, appointed as his temporary Senate replacement

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator who challenged Trump over the Iran war

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator whose reelection opponent Trump endorsed

Richard Blumenthal
D · CT · SEN

Connecticut senator who announced a Russia sanctions package with Graham

ALSO MENTIONED  Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor who appointed Graham’s temporary replacement; Jay Clayton, Trump’s selection for director of national intelligence; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor mentioned as a possible temporary replacement for Graham

Part of a bigger story

23 OUTLETS
McMaster Appoints Darline Graham Nordone to Fill Senate Term

After Lindsey Graham’s death, President Trump recommended his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill his Senate seat temporarily. Center outlets describe McMaster’s appointment and the special-election process, sometimes adding the Senate consequences of Graham’s death. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Trump’s recommendation and, in one account, note that McMaster had not yet committed to an appointment.

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