Politics

Lindsey Graham's Sister Appointed to Serve Out His Term

Is this a fitting tribute or an outdated political tradition?

Published 2 hours ago

Lindsey Graham's Sister Appointed to Serve Out His Term

Story

Above: Darline Graham Nordone appointed to the U.S. Senate on July 13, 2026. Image credit: Tracy Glantz/Tribune News Service/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

Graham loved his wonderful sister dearly and for her to serve as interim senator for the great state of South Carolina is a fitting tribute. It's exactly what he would have wanted.

Donald Trump on Truth Social

Right narrative

Not only is Nordone a fitting appointment, she's right for the role as she leads the state's Commission for the Blind and, as such, is very familiar with the state government and the governor's office.

Fox & Friends on X

Left narrative

While it may seem odd, American politics has a long history of widows and relatives taking over senatorial seats from their deceased loved ones. The tradition is responsible for opening up women's participation in Congress.

Guardian

Trita Parsi on X