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Sen. Lindsey Graham Memorial; Sister Named Successor

7/28/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Rotunda memorial on July 11, 2026 honored Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) after his death from a suspected aortic dissection.
Vice President JD Vance praised Graham while Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) expressed heartbreak over his loss.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister Darline Graham to finish the Senate term, with her burial scheduled at First Baptist Church, Columbia after a Washington National Cathedral service.

History

Historical Context

Facing terminal brain cancer, Senator Ted Kennedy urged Massachusetts in August 2009 to restore the governor’s power to name an interim senator. The General Court passed the bill in September, voting 95-58 in the House, and Governor Deval Patrick appointed former DNC chair Paul G. Kirk, who pledged not to run in the Jan 19 2010 special election won by Republican Scott Brown.

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Story summary

A Rotunda memorial on July 11, 2026 honored Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) after his death from a suspected aortic dissection.
Vice President JD Vance praised Graham while Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) expressed heartbreak over his loss.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister Darline Graham to finish the Senate term, with her burial scheduled at First Baptist Church, Columbia after a Washington National Cathedral service.

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