Lindsey Graham

Topline

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, R-S.C., the younger sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., announced Monday she is running to permanently replace her brother, after she was appointed to fill the remainder of his term following his sudden death earlier this month, though little is known about her politics.

Key Facts

What To Watch For

Graham, who was sworn in last week to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term through the end of the year, will run in a special primary election on Aug. 11. The winner will compete against Democrat Annie Andrews in the November election. Republican South Carolina Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, and businessman Mark Lynch, who placed second behind Lindsey Graham in this year’s primary, are also running in the special primary.

Crucial Quote

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” Graham told Fox News’ Sean Hannity while announcing her candidacy in a clip that aired Monday. “I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes. Absolutely.”

What Has Lindsey Graham said about his sister?

Lindsey Graham told C-SPAN while discussing his relationship with his sister in 2015, “of all the things that have happened in my life, her turning out so well is the highlight of it, because she was 13, lost both of her parents. She’s got two daughters, one 21, one 6, and she’s made an incredible life for herself.” Lindsey Graham, who was never married and had no children, also said during his presidential campaign in 2015 his sister could serve as a “rotating first lady” if he were elected president.

Tangent

President Donald Trump in a Truth Social post on Friday said he urged Graham to run for her brother’s seat, calling her a “spectacular person, and a true American Patriot.” Trump said “Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina.”

Key Background

Lindsey Graham, 71, died on July 11 from a tear in the body’s main artery, according to a preliminary report from the Washington, D.C., medical examiner. Graham served four terms in the Senate and was widely expected to be elected to a fifth after winning his primary in June. Lindsey Graham was best known as a foreign policy hawk—a staunch advocate for Israel and Ukraine—and for his close relationship with Trump. He rebuilt his relationship with Trump, acting as a liaison between the White House and the Senate, after he was sharply critical of Trump when the two ran against each other for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination.

further reading

Lindsey Graham’s Sister Appointed To Finish His Term (Forbes)

Lindsey Graham Died From Cardiovascular Disease, Preliminary Report Says (Forbes)