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

Darling Graham has officially joined the Senate, marking several significant milestones for both the chamber and South Carolina.

Sworn in on Tuesday, she becomes the first woman ever to represent the Palmetto State in the Senate, and notably, the first sibling appointed to fill the seat left vacant by her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, R.S.C.

At her swearing-in ceremony, Graham reflected on her brother’s impact on her life. “Lindsey has always been there for me, and I will always be there for him,” she said. “My brother was an amazing leader and a genuinely good person.”

Though she hasn’t held elected office prior to this, her close connection to her brother meant she often joined him on the campaign trail, experiencing firsthand what being a senator entails.

“I feel honored to carry on some of his important work, and I’m committed to doing my best to support the president and continue the efforts my brother championed for the people of South Carolina and the nation,” she noted.

Years ago, when Lindsey Graham was running for president, he was asked whether his sister might take on a role in his administration. He had confidence in her, saying, “If she plays the role, she will be a great representative of our country.”

Her unexpected appointment and swearing-in ceremony, which took place just a short distance from the main Senate chamber, marks a swift response to her brother’s untimely passing, which stunned many.

Darling Graham was appointed by South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster to fill the remainder of her brother’s term. Interestingly, former President Donald Trump recommended her for the position, and she met several times with Senator Tim Scott before her public debut in Columbia.

“Lindsey cared for my sister for many years after his death, and I am honored to ask Darling Graham to carry on in his place,” McMaster stated.

She is anticipated to serve as a temporary steward of the seat until January, when a new senator will take over for South Carolina.

Additionally, the race to find a permanent Republican candidate is heating up in South Carolina, with Rep. Nancy Mace and Rep. Ralph Norman both indicating interest in the upcoming special election set for August 11th.

Trump hasn’t yet revealed his preferred candidate but has shown some support for Congressman Russell Frey, who previously defeated Tom Rice in a primary election.

As the Senate adjusts to this change, Republicans also face the task of finding someone to fill the various committees Lindsey Graham was part of. Senate Majority Leader John Thune remarked on the ongoing discussions as Darling Graham starts to settle into her new role.

“We’re working through that challenge,” Thune commented, adding that they would determine which committees she’d like to join as she takes her first steps in the Senate.