Darline Graham appointed to fill brother's Senate seat
Senator Graham's sister appointed to interim Senate seat; announces full-term candidacy.
Event / Politics
Senator Lindsey Graham Succession
Following Senator Lindsey Graham's death in July 2026, his sister Darline Graham was appointed to fill his Senate seat. Multiple Republicans are competing in a special primary election to determine who will serve a full term.
3 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 14 Jul, 01:21 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Senate passes war powers resolution limiting presidential authority in Iran conflict
The Senate passed a war powers resolution in the previous month that rebuked the administration's handling of the Iran war. The resolution passed in part because of Senator McConnell's hospitalization, which reduced Republican opposition.
Trump praises Graham's work ethic and political legacy
In an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" on July 13, President Trump praised Senator Graham's work ethic, describing him as "a worker" and noting he had "some prime moments." Trump specifically cited Graham's defense of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing.
Graham had pushed Russia sanctions legislation following Ukraine visit
Senator Graham was working on Russia sanctions legislation that enjoys bipartisan support. He announced the measure during a recent trip to Ukraine. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and other colleagues pledged to advance the legislation as a memorial to Graham's work on achieving an independent and secure Ukraine.
Republican Senate majority reduced to 51 votes due to Graham death and McConnell hospitalization
Following Senator Graham's death, Republicans hold a 52-47 Senate majority but effectively have only 51 votes for legislation due to the ongoing hospitalization of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), 84, who has been hospitalized since June with no clear return date.
Senator Lindsey Graham dies unexpectedly at age 71
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), 71, died unexpectedly on Sunday. Graham was a key liaison between Senate Republicans and President Donald Trump's White House and a major player in Republican legislative priorities including defense spending increases, judicial confirmations, and Russia sanctions legislation.
Ron Johnson likely to assume chairmanship of Senate Budget Committee
Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), the second-most senior Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, is prepared to serve as chairman following Graham's death. Johnson has previously expressed skepticism about increased budget deficits, having initially opposed the Big Beautiful Bill tax cut package before voting yes after receiving an unspecific commitment for future fiscal discipline.
Republican Senate Judiciary Committee loses one-seat majority with Graham's death
Graham's death reduces Republicans to a one-seat majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee will hear the confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche, President Trump's pick for attorney general, on July 15. With Democratic opposition expected, any single Republican defection could sink Blanche's confirmation.
Trump recommends Graham's sister Darline for vacant Senate seat
President Trump recommended that South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoint Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to Graham's Senate seat for the remainder of the year. Governor McMaster announced the appointment on July 13. A special primary election will be held in August to determine the Republican nominee for the regularly scheduled November election.
Trump calls for third reconciliation bill with defense spending and voting restrictions
President Trump called on Congress to pass a third reconciliation bill that would include $350 billion in defense spending and the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson is pursuing the measure, but senior Senate Republicans including Mitch McConnell have indicated there will not be another reconciliation bill.
Senate prepares $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act amid Democratic opposition
The Senate is advancing a $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week, but Democrats are opposing the legislation over the renewed war with Iran. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced opposition, citing lack of authorization for the war and a 50 percent increase in Department of War funding without accountability or strategy.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Republican primary and Democratic challenger emerge in South Carolina special election race
Republican primary and Democratic challenger vie for Graham's South Carolina Senate seat.
Graham's sister confirmed to fill South Carolina Senate seat
Graham's sister Darline Graham Nordone appointed to fill his vacant Senate seat.
Graham's sister seeks full term as special election race takes shape
Darline Graham seeks full term with Trump backing; multiple Republicans enter special election race.
Graham's sister appointed to fill South Carolina Senate seat
Graham's sister Darline Nordone appointed to fill his vacant Senate seat.
FBI investigates circumstances of Senator Graham's aortic dissection death
FBI investigates Graham's aortic dissection death; Trump calls inquiry wasteful.
South Carolina to hold special election for Graham's Senate seat
South Carolina will hold a special election to fill Graham's vacant Senate seat.
Graham's sister appointed to Senate seat following his death
Graham's sister Darline Graham Nordone appointed to Senate seat following his death.
Graham's Russia sanctions push shaped final legislative legacy
Graham's final legislative push included Russia sanctions legislation stemming from Ukraine engagement.
Trump taps Graham's sister for Senate seat as GOP reshuffles leadership
Trump recommends Graham's sister for his Senate seat; Ron Johnson to chair Budget Committee.
Graham's death threatens key Senate legislative priorities amid GOP majority crunch
Graham's death weakens GOP Senate majority as Republicans race to pass major defense and reconciliation legislation.
Graham's death reshapes Senate Republican majority and committee power
Graham's death shrinks Senate GOP majority to 51 votes and costs Republicans their Judiciary Committee majority.