Darlene Graham Norton, the sister of late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, has been sworn in as South Carolina’s interim US senator, becoming the first woman to represent the state in the US Senate. According to Reuters, Ms Norton took the oath of office on Tuesday after being appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. She will serve until the remainder of her brother’s Senate term expires in January. Speaking at her swearing-in ceremony, Ms Norton said she was honoured to continue her brother’s legacy, describing their close relationship following the early deaths of their parents. Lindsey Graham had served as her legal guardian, and she had frequently appeared alongside him during election campaigns and political events. Ms Norton previously worked as an optometrist and held positions in several South Carolina state agencies, including the Commission for the Blind and the Department of Employment and Workforce. Governor McMaster said he discussed the appointment with President Donald Trump shortly after Senator Graham’s death and that Mr Trump supported the decision. The appointment has also triggered the race to fill the Senate seat permanently. Under South Carolina law, Republicans will hold a special primary election in August, with the winner advancing to the statewide election in November. Several prominent Republicans, including Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, Pamela Evette and Russell Fry, are considered potential candidates. Democrat Annie Andrews, a paediatrician, is expected to contest the November election. Although Republicans have dominated statewide elections in South Carolina for decades, Senator Graham’s unexpected death has reshaped the political landscape, making the contest one of the most closely watched US Senate races of the year.
