In the US Senate, following the sudden death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister Darlene Graham took the vacant seat. Appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Darlene Graham was sworn into the Senate on July 14, taking over her brother's term, which runs until January 2027.
With her appointment, Darlene Graham became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. According to CNN, primaries will be held in the state on August 11 to fill the vacant seat, and general elections for a new six-year term will take place in November.
Darlene Graham's life story
Darlene Graham, 62, had never held elected office before. She served on the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and worked with individuals with disabilities. In 1976, at age 13, she lost both parents within 15 months. Her brother Lindsey Graham was in a reserve officer training program at the time and became her legal guardian.
In a 2015 interview with CNN, Darlene Graham said, "Even when our parents were alive, they worked a lot; they had a small business. So Lindsey actually took care of me back then too."
Emotional swearing-in ceremony
Darlene Graham's swearing-in ceremony took place in the Senate with broad attendance. Most Republican and Democratic senators were present, and the gallery included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Jared Kushner, and Special Representative Steve Witkoff.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer met with Graham before the ceremony. Republican Senators Katie Britt and Tim Scott escorted Graham to the podium, while Senator Chuck Grassley administered the oath. After the oath, the chamber rose in applause.
Members of the Graham family had emotional moments in the gallery, and Senator Joni Ernst was seen unable to hold back tears. Britt and Scott then took Darlene Graham to her brother's desk in the Senate.
Family appointments in US politics
In US history, governors have occasionally appointed relatives to fill the seats of deceased senators. The wife of former Vice President Hubert Humphrey took over his Senate seat after his death, while Hattie Caraway was appointed to the Senate in 1931 upon her husband's death and became the first woman elected in 1932. Lisa Murkowski was appointed to the Senate after her father became governor of Alaska.
According to a preliminary report from the Washington medical examiner's office, 71-year-old Lindsey Graham died of an aortic dissection. Graham was a close ally of President Donald Trump.
