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

Graham’s death leaves Republicans facing a reduced Senate majority and the loss of a prominent colleague.

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

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Outlet credibilityWTAE78/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026

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Jul 13, 2026
tl;dr

Sen. Lindsey Graham died Saturday, leaving Republicans to navigate a narrower Senate majority and an uncertain agenda. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister as a temporary replacement.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
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Lindsey Graham Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)
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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 has altered the Senate’s Republican numbers and agenda

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Mitch McConnell
R · KY · SEN

Kentucky senator whose continued absence adds to uncertainty for Republicans

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

Iowa senator who urged the Senate to pass the sanctions bill

Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

South Carolina representative mentioned as a possible temporary replacement

Russell Fry
R · SC-7

South Carolina representative mentioned as a possible temporary replacement

Todd Blanche
R · Attorney General

Attorney general whose confirmation is on the Senate agenda

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose disagreements with Senate Republicans form part of the agenda context

Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

South Carolina representative mentioned as a possible temporary replacement

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who praised Graham

Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Graham’s sister, appointed as his temporary Senate replacement

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator described as having challenged Trump over the Iran war

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator whose opponent Trump endorsed

Richard Blumenthal
D · CT · SEN

Connecticut senator who worked with Graham on a Russia sanctions package

ALSO MENTIONED  Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor who appointed Graham’s sister as a temporary replacement; Jay Clayton, Trump’s pick to direct national intelligence; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor mentioned as a possible temporary replacement

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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