Darline Graham Takes Oath as South Carolina's First Female Senator

WHO:

CNN - Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, was sworn in as a senator.

CNN - South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to the Senate.

CNN - Lindsey Graham, the late senator, was 71 years old at the time of his death.

CNN - Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attended the swearing-in ceremony.

CNN - Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer spoke with Darline Graham before the ceremony.

CNN - GOP Senators Katie Britt and Tim Scott escorted Darline Graham to the dais.

WHAT:

CNN - Darline Graham was sworn in to serve out the remainder of her brother's Senate term.

CNN - A special primary election will take place on August 11 to replace Lindsey Graham in the November general election.

CNN - Darline Graham is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.

CNN - The Senate chamber rose to a standing ovation after Darline Graham took her oath of office.

WHERE:

CNN - The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Senate chamber.

WHEN:

CNN - Darline Graham was sworn in on a Tuesday.

CNN - The special primary election is scheduled for August 11.

CNN - Darline Graham will serve in the Senate until January 2027.

WHY:

CNN - Darline Graham was appointed to fill her brother's seat following his sudden death due to an aortic dissection.

HOW:

CNN - The oath of office was administered by Senator Chuck Grassley.

(UPDATED July 14, 2026 20:19 UTC)

Darline Graham has been sworn in as a senator, making history as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to fill the seat of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who passed away at the age of 71, she will serve until January 2027. A special primary election is set for August 11 to find a candidate for the upcoming November general election, and the Senate chamber honored her swearing-in with a standing ovation.