Darline Graham is sworn in as senator to fill her brother Lindsey Graham’s seat

Darline Graham, previously not a politician or a public figure, is expected to be a reliable vote for the Republican majority.

WASHINGTON — Darline Graham was sworn in Tuesday afternoon to fill the seat of her older brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., three days after he died unexpectedly.

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She was sworn in to a standing ovation by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the Senate president pro tempore.

While her legal name since marriage is Darline Graham Nordone, a spokesperson said she will go by Darline Graham in the Senate. According to records, it is the first instance of a sibling being appointed to replace a deceased senator.