Trump’s Proposal for Graham’s Senate Replacement

Former President Donald Trump has suggested an unexpected candidate to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina. Trump has proposed that Governor Henry McMaster appoint Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to the Senate for the remainder of the term.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”

Lindsey Graham had a special relationship with his sister Darline. After the death of their parents, Graham took on the responsibility of legally adopting and raising her.

A scramble that began with Graham’s passing has intensified as the GOP seeks both a temporary solution and a nominee for the upcoming November election. Governor McMaster intends to announce his choice for the temporary seat at 4 p.m. on Monday but has not yet disclosed his preference.

Senator Tim Scott has expressed his support for Graham’s sister to fill the vacancy. He shared on X, “Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would be a fantastic pick to serve out the remainder of the Senate term. After speaking with Darline, there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state, and our country.”

Scott also mentioned former Congressman Trey Gowdy and former Senator Jim DeMint as potential interim replacements, suggesting that McMaster might choose a placeholder and later allow voters to decide during a special election.

“I’ll figure out who that person is,” Scott noted. “I love Trey Gowdy and Jim DeMint has been in the conversation. [Graham’s] sister would be a wonderful placeholder as well,” he added. “We’ve got lots of candidates who could hold the place so that the voters decide. And remember the election starts August the 11th in South Carolina, three weeks from now, we’ll have a primary process.”

Both Gowdy and DeMint have extensive political experience, having served in the House and Senate, respectively, before Scott’s tenure. Darline Graham Nordone, on the other hand, has not held any public office.

Sources close to Scott, who leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), conveyed his preference for McMaster to select one of these individuals to serve as a placeholder and not run for a six-year term.

While the appointment process nears its conclusion, potential candidates for the GOP nomination remain. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman from South Carolina have expressed interest in the special election set for August 11. Representative Joe Wilson has opted to remain in the House, leaving plans for other members of South Carolina’s GOP congressional delegation undetermined.

Alex Miller reports for Fox News Digital on developments in the U.S. Senate.