Darling Graham Sworn in as South Carolina’s First Female Senator

Darling Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, has been sworn in as senator pro tempore. She will complete her brother’s term, which concludes in January.

This moment marks a historic occasion, as Darling is not only the first female senator from South Carolina but also the first sister to take up a Senate seat. She steps into this role following the tragic passing of her brother, who died from aortic dissection related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

“Lindsay has always been there for me, and I will always be there for him,” Darling stated during her appointment ceremony. “My brother was the most amazing person, an outstanding leader, and a really good person.”

Despite lacking prior elected office experience, Darling has been involved with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2019. She has been a consistent supporter of her brother, often appearing alongside him on the campaign trail and in campaign advertisements.

At just 22, Lindsey became her legal guardian after both of their parents passed away within 15 months of each other. Darling attributes her brother’s guidance to her ability to graduate from high school and pursue higher education.

“He’s like a brother, father, and mother rolled into one,” she once shared in a 2015 interview.