Trump backs Lindsey Graham’s sister for interim Senate seat
What’s next: Gov. Henry McMaster is due to name a temporary replacement before an Aug. 11 special primary for November’s ballot.
President Donald Trump urged South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint Darline Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, as the state’s interim senator after Graham died over the weekend from an aortic tear. Trump wrote on Truth Social that naming Nordone would be a tribute to Graham, and Sen. Tim Scott also backed her as a temporary placeholder. McMaster was expected to announce an appointment Monday to fill the vacancy until January. Under South Carolina law, the governor must also set a special primary on Aug. 11 to choose a replacement nominee for the November election, with candidate filing opening July 21. Rep. Nancy Mace is considering a run, and CNBC reported Rep. Joe Wilson has also drawn interest.