Darline Graham Nordone was sworn in to the U.S. Senate on July 14, 2026, following her appointment to fill the seat vacated by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Shortly after taking office, Graham Nordone announced her candidacy for the upcoming election to serve the remainder of the term, which ends in January 2027.
Prior to her appointment, Graham Nordone spent several decades working in South Carolina's vocational rehabilitation programs. These state-funded services assist individuals with disabilities in securing employment and living independently. Former colleagues, including Kimberly Tissot of Able South Carolina, stated that Graham Nordone was instrumental in the state's 2022 transition away from subminimum wage for workers with disabilities, a measure that received near-unanimous bipartisan support in the state legislature.
In a letter to constituents on July 18, Graham Nordone stated that her legislative approach would be informed by her professional background in disability services. While disability advocates have expressed optimism regarding her expertise, observers noted that Graham Nordone has no prior experience in elected office. She is expected to face Dr. Annie Andrews in the upcoming race for the seat.