Lindsey Graham's sister chosen as temporary Senate replacement

Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of US Senator Lindsey Graham, was formally chosen on Monday as his temporary replacement in the Senate. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced the appointment, introducing her as Graham's "darling little sister" who would "finish his work for him now." Nordone said, "It is such an honour. Lindsey has always been there for me and now I will be there for him."

Graham died on Saturday from an aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease, according to a preliminary finding by the Washington DC medical examiner. He was 71. The senator never married and had no children. He had legally adopted his sister after their parents died.

President Donald Trump had called for Nordone to serve as Graham's replacement as a tribute to the senator. McMaster stated that she would serve out the remainder of Graham's term, which ends in 2027.

Graham had been running for re-election in November and had secured the Republican Party's nomination. Several other Republican candidates have already announced plans to run for his Senate seat.