Lindsey Graham's Sister Steps Away, Emphasizes Disability Advocacy
WHO:
USA Today - Darline Graham Nordone, also known by her marital surname, is a mom-of-two and was adopted by her brother, Lindsey Graham, at 13 after losing both of their parents.
The Daily Beast - Darline Graham Nordone, sister of Lindsey Graham, was appointed to temporarily fill his vacant Senate seat.
PBS - Darline Graham, 62, has worked in vocational rehabilitation and is known for her dedication to disability advocacy.
PBS - Kimberly Tissot, president of Able South Carolina, described Darline Graham as a dedicated civil servant.
PBS - Katrina Shealy, former Republican state senator and friend of Darline Graham, has supported disability rights legislation.
WHAT:
USA Today - Trump stated, "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!" in a Truth Social post, expressing his support for her potential Senate run.
USA Today - The filing period for a full six-year term in the special primary lasts from July 21 to July 28.
The Daily Beast - Lindsey Graham died on July 11.
The Daily Beast - Trump endorsed Darline Graham Nordone to run for a full Senate term in the Special Republican Primary on August 11, 2026.
PBS - Darline Graham has made one political donation since 1990, totaling $100 to Shealy's state Senate re-election campaign during the 2020 election cycle.
PBS - Darline Graham has served as the head of South Carolina's Commission for the Blind since 2019.
WHERE:
The Daily Beast - Darline Graham Nordone was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.
PBS - The state of South Carolina passed a law in 2022 ending subminimum wage for people with disabilities.
WHEN:
USA Today - The election for the special primary is slated for August 11.
The Daily Beast - Darline Graham Nordone was appointed on July 13.
The Daily Beast - The Special Republican Primary is scheduled for August 11, 2026.
PBS - Lindsey Graham's term is set to end in January 2027.
WHY:
USA Today - Darline Graham hinted at a run in an open letter addressed to South Carolina citizens, stating, "Now, it's time for me to step up for South Carolina, just like he stepped up for me when our parents died."
The Daily Beast - Trump encouraged Darline Graham Nordone to run for Senate to honor the legacy of her brother, Lindsey Graham.
PBS - Darline Graham's career has centered on helping people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment.
HOW:
USA Today - Rep. William Timmons expressed support for Graham, stating, "President Trump has chosen his candidate and I support his choice," and called it "a fitting tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham's legacy."
PBS - Darline Graham has been involved in the process of unwinding the state's remaining subminimum wage for people with disabilities.
(UPDATED July 19, 2026 22:13 UTC)
Darline Graham, who was adopted by her brother Lindsey Graham at the age of 13 after losing their parents, is considering a run for the Senate, and President Trump has shown his support by posting "RUN, DARLINE, RUN!" on Truth Social. The filing period for her potential candidacy is set to open from July 21 to July 28, with the special primary election scheduled for August 11. Representative William Timmons has also backed Graham, calling her potential run "a fitting tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham's legacy."
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(UPDATED July 19, 2026 16:13 UTC)
Darline Graham Nordone has been appointed to temporarily fill the Senate seat left vacant by her brother, Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11. Known for her dedication to disability advocacy, Darline has served as the head of South Carolina's Commission for the Blind since 2019, and she has received an endorsement from Trump to run for a full Senate term in the upcoming Special Republican Primary on August 11, 2026. With a career focused on helping people with disabilities, Darline has also been involved in efforts to eliminate subminimum wage practices in the state.