Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham to the United States Senate, filling the vacancy created by the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. The appointment makes her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
A native of Central, South Carolina, Graham has served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind since 2019, overseeing programs that promote employment and independence for residents who are blind or have low vision. She previously held positions with Clemson University, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce and the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, giving her nearly three decades of public service experience.
Graham also serves on the South Carolina State Workforce Development Board and is president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and is a Certified Public Manager.
Under South Carolina law, the governor may appoint a replacement to serve until a successor is elected. Graham will serve through Jan. 3, 2027, when the next Congress convenes following the November 2026 general election.
Because Sen. Graham was the Republican nominee for the 2026 election, the South Carolina Republican Party will hold a special primary to select a replacement candidate. Candidate filing is scheduled for July 21-28, with the primary set for Aug. 11 and a runoff, if needed, on Aug. 25. The general election will be held Nov. 3.
Lindsey Graham represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his death in 2026 after previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and the South Carolina House of Representatives.
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