Story perspectives

Trump Urges Appointment of Graham's Sister, Preserves GOP Majority

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump urged Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Darline Graham Nordone, sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, to Senate seat.
Governor McMaster announced the appointment, saying Nordone will finish her brother’s work and keep the Republican 53-47 Senate majority for Majority Leader John Thune’s defence agenda.
A Republican primary on August 11, with a runoff on August 25, will choose the nominee to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November 3 election.

History

Historical Context

Ted Kennedy’s death on August 25 2009 left a Massachusetts Senate seat vacant. After the 2004 law that stripped the governor of appointment power was repealed, Governor Deval Patrick named former DNC chair Paul G. Kirk on September 24 2009, preserving the Democratic 58-41 majority that helped pass the Affordable Care Act. The interim appointment lasted until the Jan 19 2010 special election, which Republican Scott Brown won, ending the filibuster-proof supermajority.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump urged Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Darline Graham Nordone, sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, to Senate seat.
Governor McMaster announced the appointment, saying Nordone will finish her brother’s work and keep the Republican 53-47 Senate majority for Majority Leader John Thune’s defence agenda.
A Republican primary on August 11, with a runoff on August 25, will choose the nominee to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November 3 election.

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