Trump Backs Lindsey Graham’s Sister to Serve Rest of His Senate Term

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is scheduled to host a press conference at 4 p.m. ET to name his appointment to Graham’s seat.

Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), walks to the stage before his announcement for presidency on June 1, 2015, in Central, S.C. Rainier Ehrhardt/AP Photo

President Donald Trump called for Lindsey Graham’s sister to serve as interim senator in the aftermath of her brother’s sudden death.

In a July 13 post on Truth Social, Trump said that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster should appoint Darline Graham Nordone to her brother’s seat.

“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” he said.

McMaster is scheduled to host a press conference at 4 p.m. ET on Monday to announce his appointment to Graham’s seat.

Graham was known to have a close relationship with his sister, whom he took care of as her guardian after their parents died.

“I can remember the day my father passed away, standing in the living room of that house, absolutely scared to death,” Nordone told NPR in 2015.

“Lindsey wrapped his arms around me and promised me he would always be there for me and always take care of me.”

In a 2015 interview with The New York Times, Nordone said about her brother: “He’s kind of like a brother, a father and a mother rolled into one.”

Nordone has not spoken publicly about her brother’s death as of Monday morning.

Graham’s office said the senator’s family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”

In a post on X, South Carolina’s other senator, Tim Scott, a Republican, said Nordone “would be a fantastic pick” to finish her brother’s term in the Senate.

“After speaking with Darline, there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state, and our country,” he posted on X.

Graham passed away at the age of 71 after a “brief and sudden illness” on the evening of July 11, his office said in a statement.

The cause of death was an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings by the medical examiner, which were released by Graham’s team.

Graham was up for reelection in November and won his primary last month.

There will be a special election in August for the Republican nominee to take on Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.

Graham was first elected to the Senate in November 2002 and served in the House of Representatives between 1995 and 2003.