Trump Proposes Sister of Late Senator for Vacant Senate Seat

President Donald Trump has suggested a rather unexpected choice to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. He is urging South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to nominate Graham’s sister, Darling Graham Nordon, to complete the remainder of the senator’s term.

“I have recommended to Governor Henry McMaster that Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darling, serve as U.S. Senator pro tempore from South Carolina,” Trump expressed. “This would be a wonderful tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”

The bond between Graham and her sister Darling is particularly strong, as the congressman adopted and raised her after their parents passed away.

Trump’s statement comes amid a behind-the-scenes effort to maintain the Republican hold on Graham’s seat and to identify a new candidate for the upcoming election in November.

Governor McMaster is anticipated to reveal his nominee for the position around 4 p.m. on Monday, but he hasn’t indicated his preferences just yet. McMaster’s office did not provide any immediate feedback regarding potential candidates they might be considering.

In the meantime, fellow Republican Senator Tim Scott has also shown support for Graham’s sister taking over the seat. “Darling Graham Nordone would be an excellent choice to serve the remainder of his term in the Senate,” Scott conveyed on social media. “After talking with Darling, it’s clear that no one better understands Lindsey’s devotion to his family, state, and country.”

Earlier that day, Scott mentioned both former Congressman Trey Gowdy and former Senator Jim DeMint as possible replacements. He expects McMaster to “appoint someone in the interim and let the voters decide” in the special election.

“I think we’ll find out in the next few hours or by tomorrow who that person is,” Scott remarked. “I have a lot of admiration for Trey Gowdy, and Jim DeMint is also being discussed.” He went on to say, “My sister would be a great alternative candidate, too. There are plenty of contenders who could secure the position for voters to decide on. Keep in mind, elections start in South Carolina on August 11th, with primaries just three weeks away.”

As the nomination process heats up, the race for the Republican nomination in South Carolina remains wide open. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman have hinted at entering the special election set for August 11th. Representative Joe Wilson has expressed his intention to stay in the House, while the rest of the state’s Republican caucus members have yet to announce their plans.