South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster on Monday issued an order appointing Darlene Graham Nordon, sister of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, to the U.S. Senate to fill his seat until January 2027, with the possibility of continuing if she runs and is elected, according to Axios.

Appointing relatives of deceased officials to public office is a common tradition in American politics, especially in cases of sudden death.

A special election will be held in South Carolina next month to choose the Republican Party candidate who will succeed Graham on the ballot.

McMaster told reporters at the State House: "Today, under the law, it is my duty and honor to choose someone to fill the place of this extraordinary man."

He added: "Lindsey has taken care of his little sister for many years. It is my honor to ask his little sister, Darlene Graham, to continue his work on his behalf now."

Support from Trump

Nordon was also the preferred choice of U.S. President Donald Trump, who wrote on Truth Social on Monday that her appointment "would be a wonderful tribute to Lindsey, who loved her so much."

Nordon told reporters: "Lindsey was always by my side, and now I will be by his side." She added: "To Lindsey, I miss you more than I can put into words, but I will do this job. I am fully ready for it."

The late Lindsey Graham considered his sister Darlene the closest family member to him, after the deaths of their parents 15 months apart in the 1970s.

The late senator never married and had no children, but he completed legal procedures that allowed his sister Darlene to benefit from his military benefits. She appeared alongside him in many campaign ads and speech events.

Nordon has never held public office; she previously worked helping people with disabilities find jobs. She is a mother of two.

Reports indicate that South Carolina House members Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman intend to run for the seat once held by Graham. According to NOTUS, Norman may announce his candidacy as early as Tuesday.

In contrast, others have ruled out running for the seat. House member Joe Wilson confirmed in a post on X that he spoke with Trump and intends to remain in the House "to maintain the two-vote majority that (Trump) enjoys, for the American people."

Sudden, brief illness

Graham's office announced Sunday his death at the age of 71 after a "sudden, brief illness," saying his family "appreciates the prayers for him at this time and asks for privacy during this extremely difficult period."

Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was seeking a fifth six-year term in the November election. He was also one of the most prominent senators and an influential voice within the Republican Party on defense and international affairs.

This appointment comes with the support of former President Donald Trump, which could give Nordon an advantage if she decides to run. In contrast, two Republican House members, Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, plan to run in the special election, indicating a competitive race for the seat. Also, Nordon's lack of experience in public office could pose a challenge if she runs.