A picture taken on July 10, 2026 shows U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaking to the media after his meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
Darline Graham Nordone, 62, Senator Lindsey Graham's only surviving family member, expressed devastation after President Donald Trump publicly recommended her to fill her late brother's Senate seat.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died Saturday of an aortic dissection.
Trump posted on Truth Social Monday, saying he recommended Nordone to Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) for the position.
When asked by the New York Post minutes after Trump's post, Nordone said, "Actually, I'm just kind of like devastated right now."
Their parents died within 15 months of each other in the 1970s, leaving Darline orphaned at 13.
Lindsey, then 22 and in college, became her legal guardian and supported her throughout his Air Force service.
Trump described his suggestion as "a fabulous tribute to Lindsey."
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) backed the recommendation.
"I have faith in Gov. McMaster that he will make the right decision, but I would support the president's recommendation," Wilson said.
Nordone would serve through January 3, with a special primary scheduled for August 11 to replace Graham on the November ballot, according to FITSNews
Watch the video below.